The Connect 2026 workshop, organized by Cathay United Bank - Ho Chi Minh City Branch (CUBHCM) in collaboration with Indovina Bank (IVB), took place on 24/7.

This event is part of CUBHCM's ongoing initiatives to support corporate clients across Asia. It focused on critical topics such as global macroeconomics, artificial intelligence (AI), foreign exchange risk management, and treasury strategy. The content was specifically designed to help businesses manage risks, optimize operations, and enhance their long-term competitiveness.

At the workshop, William Huang, executive vice president of Cathay United Bank (CUB), emphasized that in a volatile market, adaptability is increasingly a decisive factor for business competitiveness. He noted that beyond traditional financial services, CUB aims to provide integrated solutions that enable clients to manage liquidity, control risks, and expand their cross-border operations.

Thomas Lin, general director of CUBHCM, speaks at the workshop. *Photo: Cathay United Bank*

Thomas Lin, general director of CUBHCM, stated that businesses demonstrating rapid adaptation, effective risk management, and prudent capital utilization will gain a significant advantage in the upcoming period. Through Connect 2026, the bank seeks to offer expert knowledge, financial solutions, and a regional network to support businesses in achieving sustainable development.

A representative from IVB echoed this sentiment, asserting that adaptability not only helps businesses mitigate risks but also creates opportunities for new ventures. According to VJ Lu, general director of IVB, the collaboration with CUB aims to provide businesses with additional market perspectives and financial strategies essential for long-term growth.

During the workshop, Ryan Chan, director of Asia-Pacific financial products (excluding Taiwan), along with Jared Wang, vice president of asset management, provided an in-depth analysis of corporate treasury management trends and global financial market developments. The speakers highlighted that prolonged inflation, interest rate volatility, and exchange rate fluctuations are reshaping how businesses construct financial plans, simultaneously elevating the importance of treasury management and foreign exchange risk management.

Experts also presented several solutions to help businesses optimize capital and strengthen their financial foundation. These included: foreign exchange hedging, structured products, cross-border financing, and integrated treasury management. Furthermore, the continuing impacts of inflation, commodity prices, central bank monetary policies, and geopolitical risks are expected to exert ongoing pressure on global financial markets, necessitating that businesses maintain robust risk management capabilities and financial flexibility.

From a macroeconomic viewpoint, Pham Luu Hung, chief economist and director of the Analysis and Research Center, SSI Securities Corporation, projected that public infrastructure investment, stable foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and policy reforms will continue to support Vietnam's economic growth in the medium and long term. He advised businesses to simultaneously enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and increase adaptability to global economic fluctuations.

Adding a perspective on digital transformation, Hien Le, pre-sales manager at TPIsoftware, introduced a practical AI implementation framework titled "Iron Triangle and Sustainable Development Roadmap". He suggested that businesses could prioritize AI applications that directly impact operations, such as: predictive maintenance, smart monitoring, quality management, and process automation, to enhance operational efficiency and support decision-making.

Representatives of CUBHCM, IVB, and VietinBank take a souvenir photo at the workshop. *Photo: Cathay United Bank*

According to a CUBHCM representative, the bank will continue to leverage its regional network and comprehensive solutions for corporate clients. These solutions include: cash management, foreign exchange, derivative products, trade finance, syndicated loans, investment, and treasury consulting, all designed to support businesses in risk management and business expansion.

Cathay United Bank is a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings. CUB currently operates 232 branches and offices across the Asia-Pacific region. The group boasts over 60 years of operation in Taiwan, maintains 969 operational points regionally, and manages total assets exceeding USD 400 billion.

Thai Anh

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