HCMC Increases Funding For Venture Capital
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council has approved a resolution to increase the charter capital of the city’s venture capital fund. The city plans to contribute up to VND1.8 trillion from its budget between 2027 and 2035, capped at VND200 billion annually. The capital increase will combine public funding with private investment, aiming to bring the fund’s charter capital to VND5 trillion to support startups and innovation.
The fund began with VND500 billion in charter capital, including VND300 billion from private investors, representing 60%. Further budget contributions will depend on how much private capital the fund raises, rather than the city financing the entire increase, helping ease pressure on public finances. Authorities also require capital allocation and deployment to be supported by governance and risk controls suited to venture investing.
Alongside support for innovation, the council has approved a framework for issuing municipal bonds and borrowing from domestic financial institutions. Long-term funding raised through these channels will prioritize major projects in transport infrastructure, urban rail, environmental management and digital transformation. Fundraising must align with project implementation schedules and meet governance and risk-management requirements.
10 VIFC Members Target $2.7 Billion In Foreign Capital
The first 10 corporate members of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) plan to raise approximately $2.7 billion by 2027. The funding will support infrastructure, renewable energy, data centers and education, advancing the city’s ambition to become a regional financial hub.
Keppel has the largest fundraising target, at up to $1 billion, making it a leading participant in the proposed $2.7 billion total. The group aims to attract foreign capital into infrastructure, real estate, commerce and services in Vietnam. However, it says investment deployment will depend on market conditions.
Saigon Marina IFC Co., Ltd. follows with a fundraising target of approximately $816 million. The money will finance technology and physical infrastructure supporting VIFC-HCMC’s operations.
In energy and digital infrastructure, AG&P Holding Vietnam Co., Ltd. plans to invest approximately $425 million across the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, power grids and data centers. In education, EQuest Capital plans to raise approximately $325 million through a newly established cooperation agreement with Standard Chartered Bank’s New York branch.
HCMC Connects Research With Business Needs
At Open Innovation Day 2026, Ho Chi Minh City identified a leading role for businesses as key to moving research from laboratories into production and commercial use.
Led by the SoiHub Open Innovation Center, the event focused on connecting research institutes, universities, talent, investment funds and businesses. Under this approach, businesses will lead collaboration and technology adoption to accelerate commercialization and strengthen the domestic economy’s competitiveness.
The priorities span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, the low-altitude economy, manufacturing and new materials. To meet these industries’ demanding requirements, experts stressed the need to expand computing capacity, strengthen data security, train skilled workers and develop sustainable energy infrastructure.
As it develops this ecosystem, the city also plans to expand the space available for high-tech and digital technology industrial parks. Infrastructure funding will draw on public investment, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and direct private investment.
SoiHub serves as a contact point for technology needs submitted by local authorities and businesses, connecting them with scientists to develop suitable solutions. It has addressed 15 market requests, connected partners to collaborate on and develop 50 domestic and international technologies, and signed 20 strategic cooperation agreements.
Asahi Life Acquires MVI Life For $170 Million
Japanese insurer Asahi Life has completed its acquisition of the entire equity interest in Vietnamese life insurer MVI Life for approximately $170 million.
The transaction received regulatory approval in both Japan and Vietnam. Following completion of the required procedures, MVI Life became a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Life and changed its legal name to Asahi Life Insurance Vietnam Company Limited.
To expand its business in Vietnam, Asahi Life has also announced a strategic partnership with LivWell, an insurance technology company based in Singapore. The partnership will combine the Japanese insurer’s expertise in developing health and cancer insurance with LivWell’s technology infrastructure and distribution channels. It aims to develop products tailored to Vietnamese customers, expand distribution and address growing demand for health protection.
Dien May Xanh Introduces AI And Robotics Project Team
Dien May Xanh has introduced the management and advisory team for House of Future (HOF) at its general meeting of shareholders. The strategic project aims to bring artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics products directly to Vietnamese consumers.
At the center of HOF is a model home that goes beyond conventional retail displays. Its functional rooms will demonstrate everyday applications of technology, including household robots, AI systems that recognize family routines and healthcare devices. Customers will be able to try the products firsthand to understand how they work and fit into daily life.
To develop this new product category, Dien May Xanh has assembled advisors with expertise in AI, product development, innovation and startups. Combining their expertise with its nationwide retail network will help the company understand demand and select practical products suited to Vietnamese households.
Over the longer term, HOF’s combination of hands-on experiences, expert advice and distribution channels is expected to support Vietnamese technology startups. The project aims to help domestically developed AI and robotics solutions reach the market and achieve commercialization more quickly.
Genesia Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm operating in Japan and Southeast Asia, with a strong belief in the long-term potential of Vietnam’s digital economy. Beyond providing capital, the fund actively supports startups through strategic guidance and connections to a broader regional network.