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From Zero to Everywhere: VinFast Turned Electric Cars into Daily Life in the Philippines

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4 months ago

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Once unknown, now almost unavoidable, VinFast cars, taxis, and charging stations have entered daily life across Metro Manila. Instead of waiting for change, the company built electric mobility into everyday routines.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Just a few years ago, VinFast existed in the Philippines mainly as a name attached to announcements. It appeared in coverage of overseas auto shows, expansion plans, and regional ambitions, often framed as something still on the way. Most people had not encountered the cars in daily life.

A VinFast VF 3 electric vehicle in an urban area in Metro Manila.

By the end of 2025, that changed. In Metro Manila, commuters could book an electric taxi built by VinFast and operated by Green GSM, the country’s first all-electric ride-hailing fleet, drive a VinFast to work themselves, or plug in at a VinFast-exclusive charging station operated by V-Green during routine errands.

“I didn’t know what model it was at first,” says Mark, a delivery rider who works across Makati and Mandaluyong. “I just kept seeing the same logo on different cars. Different drivers, same badge. They’re everywhere now.”

From unknown to unmissable

For much of the past decade, electric vehicles in the Philippines remained largely confined to exhibitions, pilot programs, and policy discussions. They were visible in controlled settings but rare on public roads, where gasoline vehicles continued to dominate through habit and established infrastructure.

VinFast launched locally in May 2024 with a growing electric lineup. Cars entered circulation quickly and in visible places. Early exposure followed expected channels such as mall showrooms, auto shows, and media drives. Broader recognition came later, through repeated encounters in ordinary settings.

“I see them when I start my shift and when I end it,” says Joel, a parking attendant at an office building in Makati. “They’re parked in basements, waiting at drop off points, sometimes charging.”

As appearances multiplied, the cars stopped attracting attention as new objects and began blending into everyday traffic. Drivers and pedestrians recognized the shape and badge without needing to know specifications.

The shift was driven by placement and timing. VinFast vehicles showed up in residential streets, office car parks, and highway access roads, places where advertising has little influence. At the same time, EV adoption across Southeast Asia remained uneven, and the Philippines continued to trail peers in charging density and consumer confidence. VinFast entered early and stayed visible as infrastructure and service followed.

From display floors to daily routines

Visibility brought VinFast into public view, but daily use kept the vehicles there.

By late 2025, ownership conversations focused less on EV theory and more on routine, how often people drove, what they used the car for, and how much they saved. At a VinFast community meetup in San Juan in November, owners compared charging habits, talked about modifications, and shared practical details of EV ownership.

For photographer Paul Reyes, who has logged more than 10,000 kilometers in his VF 3 over the past year, the decision to go EV started with weekly work travel and careful tracking of fuel costs.

“Normally, I go out for shoots on a weekly basis. And then I usually compute the gasoline expenses,” he said. “So I thought, why not shift to EV and save that money for something else? I’ve been using my VF 3 for a year, and I’ve calculated my savings and it has reached around 90,000 pesos.”

“The VF 3 is one of the best cars I’ve ever had,” he said earlier in the year. “Honestly, I’m never switching back to gasoline or diesel again.”

For many people like Reyes, the appeal of the VF 3 often starts with practicality, but ownership rarely stops there. Its compact size and low running costs make sense for city driving, yet many owners stay because the car allows a degree of personal expression that is rare at its price point.

Car modifier and content creator Carl Macaisa describes the VF 3 as open-ended. “It’s like a blank canvas,” he said. “You can express your personality through it.” The shape and simplicity invite customization, and that flexibility has helped the VF 3 develop a following that treats the car as both transportation and personal statement.

That experience led Carl to the B-SUV VinFast VF 6, positioned as a more capable option for drivers who want space and performance without changing daily habits.

“I like that I can drive it and still look cool,” he said. “It’s fast, it has the right space for friends, it works for daily driving, and it can still handle spirited driving. You can go home after pushing it hard, then hand the keys to your wife and she’ll be fine. Slow or fast, it delivers.”

VinFast doesn’t wait for the market to get ready

VinFast’s push in the Philippines follows a clear sequence. Cars introduce interest, and systems turn interest into habit. The Philippines is among the few countries to welcome VinFast’s full lineup, from the VF 3 to the VF 9. All models are supported by initiatives including vehicle warranties of up to 10 years and three years of free charging at stations operated by strategic partner V-Green.

From the start, the company paired vehicle rollout with strategic partners addressing two major barriers to EV adoption, exposure and convenience.

One is Green GSM, an all-electric ride hailing operator that uses VinFast vehicles as its fleet. For many commuters, Green GSM is their first direct experience of electric mobility, as a ride to work, a trip to the mall, or a late night journey home. Cyan electric taxis now circulate across Manila from morning to late night.

For the public, this lowers the entry barrier. People experience electric driving without buying a car or learning charging routines. For VinFast, fleet use puts vehicles under constant stress, proving durability in public view.

“Even when it’s really hot, the car stays clean and comfy,” said early Green GSM customer Gabriel Joshua R. Ancheta. “It doesn’t have any weird smells, everything’s tidy, and honestly, it feels way better than what I’ve experienced with other platforms.”

Charging infrastructure follows through V-Green, which places chargers where people already go, mall parking levels, office complexes, expressway stops, and urban corridors.

“I charge while I stop for lunch or rest,” a Green GSM driver said. “When I’m done, the car is ready again.”

For service access, VinFast partnered with Motech, JIGA, and Goodyear, embedding EV maintenance into familiar automotive networks. By the end of 2025, more than 100 authorized service points were planned nationwide.

And to reduce hesitation around resale, VinFast introduced a Residual Value Guarantee. Under the program, the company guarantees up to 90 percent of the vehicle’s purchase value if returned within six months, with scaled terms thereafter.

“When combined with our other support programs, we believe electric vehicles will soon become a natural and reliable choice for households and individual users across the Philippines,” said “Toti” in a press release.

This approach has begun to resonate beyond consumers, drawing attention from industry players watching how quickly VinFast has built both presence and infrastructure. “If VinFast is looking at becoming a market leader, creating its own ecosystem would be a great approach, similar to what Steve Jobs did with Apple,” said Jonel Borromeo, a Philippine dealer who visited VinFast’s Hai Phong factory.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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Hong Kong Company Formations Surge 40.5% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Competitors

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11 hours ago

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15/05/2026

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Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.

“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”

The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.

Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:

  • Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
  • Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
  • Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
  • A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
  • Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.

Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.

Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.

For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.

“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.

Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.

Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.

Hashtag: #AirCorporate

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”

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11 hours ago

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15/05/2026

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Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.

Desert diamonds

Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.

Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.

Magnificent Diamond Earrings

A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.

Standout Diamond Moments

Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.

Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.

Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026

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22 hours ago

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14/05/2026

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The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.

HL Bank Singapore is giving music fans the chance to redeem exclusive passes to the AsiaTop Music Festival 2026, featuring top Asian acts, through its iSavings Reward Campaign.

This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.

Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.

Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.

With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.

For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026

Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HL Bank Singapore

HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.

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