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Apr 27: 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.”

 

 

 

 

MODERN HISTORY: VALTTERI BOTTAS 2026 HELMET FROM FIRST-EVER CADILLAC F1® TEAM RACE GOES TO AUCTION

F1® Authentics, operated by Memento Exclusives, has revealed a historic piece of modern memorabilia set to be auctioned from the current Formula One® season. The race-used helmet worn by Valtteri Bottas at the season opening Formula 1® Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026, is set to be made available for collectors to bid on during the limited time F1® Authentics Miami GP Auction.

Race-used helmets are scare pieces of memorabilia by nature, with each capturing a moment in time and unique stories from the track. This is an extremely rare example, as it is not only tied to one of motorsports most popular and accomplished drivers, but also to Cadillac’s maiden appearance in Formula One®.

It is rare for any race-used helmet to become available during the same season it was seen at circuit, let alone one with the immediate historical significance and lasting collector appeal as this.

Across his illustrious career, Valtteri Bottas has achieved 10 race wins, 67 podiums, and 20 pole positions, twice finishing runner-up in the World Drivers’ Championship. His return for 2026 as one of the first two drivers to ever represent Cadillac F1® Team is another achievement in a career full of landmark moments.

On the auction of his 2026 Australian Grand Prix helmet, Valtteri Bottas said:
“My race worn helmet from Melbourne this year. My first ever race for Cadillac (and) my first ever race for GM. A big moment for me, making my return to Formula One®, this piece is something special and now, it could be yours. It will be auctioned by F1® Authentics, which is the only licensed platform, during the Miami weekend, so check it out. It’s a really important piece for me and its going to be amazing to share it with you.” 

First shown in a typically bold social media reveal, shot from a swimming pool, Bottas officially unveiled the design of this helmet to his legions of fans. It features emblems representing his Finnish heritage along with an absorbing dark black and electric blue colour scheme. The authenticity of the helmets now race-used nature is clear with markings from battle spotted across the circumference, but fortunately for collectors, the design is remarkably unblemished and is perfectly ready for premium display.

As a genuine piece of Cadillac F1® Team’s first-ever Grand Prix start, the lucky final bidder will obtain an artefact representing the return of an iconic Finnish driver and the beginning of a new chapter for American teams in Formula One®.

The F1® Authentics Miami GP Auction is live from Friday 24^th April 2026 and concludes on  Tuesday 5^th May 2026. To find out more, register or to bid for this historic helmet, visit F1 Authentics now.

 

 

Mumbai, Apr 25: The Indian aviation sector is entering a new phase of transformation, with airport development moving beyond capacity creation to focus on performance, efficiency and enhanced passenger experience. Capitalizing on robust growth and an enhanced operational focus, the Airport360 Expo 2026 commenced at Mumbai’s Bombay Exhibition Centre, with the two-day event concluding on April 24.

Airport360 Expo 2026 was inaugurated by leading industry voices including Dr. Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India (AAI); Capt. B V J K Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport; Mr Shankar Dey, Deputy Vice President – Marketing, dormakaba India; Mr Susanta Sharma, Principal Director and Business Head, Aurionpro; and Mr Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion, highlighting the industry’s shared focus on advancing airport development and operational readiness.

Addressing the evolving dynamics of the aviation sector and India’s emerging role in the global landscape, Dr. Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India, said, “India’s aviation sector is entering a defining phase where growth must be supported by clear strategic choices. Globally, the industry is being shaped by digital transformation, sustainability, and deeper integration across aviation, logistics, tourism, and trade. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the sector’s vulnerability, impacting routes, costs, and operational efficiency. In this context, India has a strong advantage with rising demand, expanding infrastructure, and a clear vision to scale to around 350 airports by 2047. Initiatives such as UDAN have strengthened regional connectivity, and the next phase will focus on long-term viability, efficiency, and network integration.

A key priority ahead is to reduce dependence on foreign hubs for international traffic and capture greater value across airlines, MRO, cargo, and airport-led services. Strengthening hub infrastructure, enabling policy frameworks, and leveraging technology will be critical to positioning India as a global aviation hub. Platforms like Airport360 Expo play an important role in enabling alignment and driving execution across the ecosystem.”

Sharing his perspective on the scale of opportunity and the infrastructure priorities shaping India’s aviation growth, Capt. B. V. J. K. Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport, said, “India is already among the top three domestic aviation markets globally, with passenger traffic reaching around 412 million in 2025, reflecting strong growth momentum. The sector is expected to handle close to 500 million passengers before 2030 and move towards 1 billion by 2047, supported by sustained demand and fleet expansion, with over 1,000 aircraft orders in place.

Infrastructure expansion is progressing at pace, with over 160 operational airports and continued investments under National programmes. Aviation contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs, with emerging segments such as MRO expected to play a significant role in strengthening the ecosystem.

At Navi Mumbai International Airport, capacity is being developed in phases to reach 90 million passengers by 2032, supported by strong connectivity, digital infrastructure, and integrated planning. As demand continues to rise, the focus will remain on building scalable, efficient, and future-ready airport ecosystems to support India’s next phase of aviation growth.”

Offering a design-led perspective on India’s rapidly evolving airport infrastructure, Mr Gurpreet Shah, Principal Architect and Urban Designer, Creative Group, said, “India’s airport growth cannot rely on borrowed design models anymore. With a population of over 1.5 billion and terminals expected to reach saturation within five to seven years, efficiency must become the starting point. As nearly 550 airstrips are expected to be operational in the next decade, the focus must shift to scalable, quick-to-build, and sustainable infrastructure. The next phase of airport development will be defined not by how iconic terminals look, but by how efficiently they perform.”

Mr. Dhananjay Patil, Specialist – Airport Terminal and Head of Aviation Architecture, Jacobs, said, “As India’s aviation sector scales rapidly, airport development must move beyond conventional expansion towards rethinking capacity within existing systems. The ability of terminals to evolve is fundamentally linked to their original planning philosophy, with flexibility and modularity becoming critical design imperatives for sustained growth. The next phase of infrastructure development will be driven by intelligent capacity optimisation through digital tools such as simulations and data-led planning, alongside targeted redevelopment where required. This integrated approach will be essential to delivering resilient, high-performance airport environments aligned with future demand.”

Mr. Debayan Sen, Managing Director, Avinia, said, “As India’s aviation sector evolves, capacity within terminals is increasingly being viewed as an elastic concept. Through process optimisation, technology integration, and improved passenger flow design, existing infrastructure can unlock an additional 25 to 50 % capacity without proportional expansion. At the same time, passenger experience and commercial performance are closely linked. Seamless journeys directly influence dwell time and spend, making experience-led design, spatial planning, and tenant mix critical to airport performance. Globally, leading airports are investing in creating destination-led environments, and Indian airports are steadily moving in that direction, where the integration of capacity, experience, and commercial strategy will define the next phase of growth.”

Mr. Patrick Keane, Director, Enter Projects Asia, said, “The real challenge in aviation today is not within the terminal alone, but in the transitions before and after the airport journey. Seamless integration across touchpoints, from check-in to security and final boarding, ultimately shapes passenger experience. Globally, leading airports have demonstrated how process design and decentralised systems can significantly reduce friction and waiting time. Indian airports are increasingly moving in this direction, focusing on open, efficient environments that prioritise flow over congestion. The next phase of airport development will be defined by how effectively these transitions are simplified, enabling passengers to spend less time navigating processes and more time engaging with the airport experience.”

Tang Kai Vern, Executive Vice President (Aviation Health and Wellness Group), CPG Corporation, said, “Airports like Singapore’s Changi have demonstrated how the journey can begin well before a passenger enters the terminal, by extending key functions such as check-in and baggage handling into landside environments and pairing them with strong retail and lifestyle offerings. This fundamentally shifts passenger behaviour, encouraging earlier arrivals and higher engagement.

In India, airport development has made significant progress in terms of scale and efficiency, and the next step is to build on this momentum by exploring similar extensions beyond the terminal footprint. Creating synergies between airport operations and adjacent commercial spaces can unlock new value, both in terms of passenger experience and revenue potential. As traffic continues to grow, the opportunity lies in reimagining airports as integrated environments where travel, commerce, and urban infrastructure come together in a more cohesive and future-ready manner.”

Organised by Media Fusion, the second edition of Airport360 Expo has brought together over 2,500 industry professionals, more than 70 exhibitors, over 200 aviation experts and decision-makers, and participation from over 10 countries, including Germany, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand.

Commenting on the sector’s growth and the vision behind Airport 360 Expo, Mr Taher Patrawala, Managing Director, Media Fusion, said, “India’s aviation market is on track to scale from about approx. USD 30 billion today to nearly USD 1 trillion by 2047, and airport infrastructure will be at the centre of this expansion. With air travel penetration still at a fraction of its potential, the focus is now shifting to building airports that can perform at scale. At the same time, the MRO segment is gaining strong traction, projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2031, supported by 100 % FDI and a uniform 5% IGST structure. Airport360 Expo 2026 brings the industry together to align design operations and technology with the next phase of aviation growth.”

Airport360 Expo 2026 showcased a wide range of solutions across terminal design, digital systems, airside operations, safety, security and MRO services, reflecting the increasing integration of technology in airport infrastructure.

The two-day expo featured participation from leading organisations such as NMIAL, Dallmeier, OCS Group, Adani, Ivii GmbH, Leonardo, Dormakaba, Atenti Led Display, Samarth Security, MBM India, Aurionpro, Vehant Technology, Amadeus, and AIESL, among others. Their presence underscored the sector’s shift towards smarter, more efficient, and technology-led airport ecosystems.

Running alongside the exhibition, the Airport360 Conference, centred on the theme “Building Airports That Perform Design Operations and Readiness for India’s Next Aviation Surge,” featuring a total of 12 sessions that brought together global and Indian experts to deliberate on airport operations, infrastructure planning, passenger experience, and commercial aviation growth.

India’s aviation sector continued to demonstrate steady expansion, supported by increasing passenger demand, policy support, and infrastructure investments. With air travel penetration still significantly below global averages, the sector presents strong long-term growth potential, with airports increasingly positioned as drivers of regional economic development.

 

A Florida State University researcher has earned a major grant to research local waterways that affect the everyday lives of Tallahassee residents.

Ming Ye, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, has been awarded more than $2.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to research groundwater sources in the Wakulla Springs basin and map the basin’s underwater caves, some of which have never been explored.

“All of Florida’s springs are facing critical issues: water level is dropping, amount of flow is decreasing, and water quality is becoming worse,” said Ye, who is also affiliated with the Department of Scientific Computing. “The funding of this project gives us a chance to finally go subsurface to understand both the quantity and quality of the water.”

Wakulla Springs, just a 30-minute drive from FSU’s Tallahassee campus, is a natural exit point for the groundwater of the Floridian aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world, which provides drinking water to nearly 10 million people. The basin comprises a series of caves, conduits and sinkholes that lead into Wakulla Springs, which was named an International Geological Heritage Site in 2024.

By testing water at the springs and mapping the cave systems that lead into it, researchers will better understand how our water is affected by the geological makeup of the caves it passes through and how it’s affected by various other environmental factors, from rising sea levels to pollution.

Ye will partner with the University of South Florida, a cave diving team of the Woodville Karst Plain Project, and SunFish, a Texas-based underwater field services company to train its new technology, the Underwater Autonomous Vehicle, in mapping cave systems beneath Wakulla Springs. While in the cave systems, divers will accompany the UAV — a small, drone-like machine — and “teach” it how to map the caves by guiding it through passages so the machine can work independently in the future.

“Ming is an expert in hydrogeology and using computational approaches to model groundwater transport, which helps him study fluid transport beneath the ground here in Florida,” said Michael Stukel, chair of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science and a professor of oceanography and environmental science. “He’s a collaborative and interdisciplinary scientist and teacher whose work builds bridges across different curricular groups within EOAS.”

Florida is home to the highest concentration of springs in the world — over 1,000 throughout the state — which are an essential part of the ecosystem. Methods like dye tracing have long been used to map how water moves through the underwater cave system, and taking water samples has provided insights into the chemical makeup of the water.

While divers have charted some of the caves, parts of the basin remain unmapped and unsampled because they’re too narrow or dangerous for humans to reach. The UAV can access these dangerous caves, taking water samples from more areas to provide a comprehensive picture of how different geological compositions in the cave system affect the water that’s eventually consumed and used in our daily lives.

“This area was brought to my attention on day one of my FSU career because it had a worldwide reputation for how difficult it was to map,” said Ye, who began studying Wakulla Springs when he joined FSU’s faculty in Spring 2007. “There are still a lot of research questions regarding these water sources.”

The Wakulla Springs basin is the largest spring basin in Florida, and the cave system stretches approximately 25 miles. The UAV will map the size and shape of the caves while taking water samples to help researchers understand the chemical makeup of the water that will eventually make its way to Wakulla Springs.

“The UAV is a new way to study these systems, and the technology can be expanded to the entire state and to other states with ongoing problems in their springs,” Ye said. “Wakulla Springs is part of our heritage; I bring my daughter to swim in the spring, and I hope it can remain as healthy as possible so future generations can also enjoy it.”

Ye received his doctorate in hydrology from the University of Arizona in 2002 before completing his post-doctoral research with the Hydrology Technical Group in Portland, Oregon, part of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He joined FSU’s faculty in 2007 as part of the Department of Scientific Computing before transferring to EOAS in 2017. During his time at FSU, Ye has been honored with awards such as the Department of Energy’s Early Career Award, FSU’s Developing Scholar Award, and the Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was elected as a fellow of the Geological Society of America in 2012.