Fastrack, India’s leading youth smartwatch brand, announced the launch of Fastrack MYND, an AI-powered smartwatch designed for consumers comfortable with AI. At a time when AI is reshaping the global wearables market, MYND brings this innovation to the Indian youth segment with features like AI-enabled personalization, contextual reminders, and infinite watch faces that reflect the user’s personality, mood and imagination. By merging advanced AI and a complete health and fitness suite, Fastrack reinforces its leadership in the fashion-tech space, offering next-gen, trend-forward design and smart functionality.

Fastrack Launches MYND – AI-powered Smartwatch for Indias AI-savvy

Power Meets Design: Key Features

• 4.9 cm Curved AMOLED Display: For edge-to-edge clarity

• AI-powered watchfaces: Watchfaces that reflects user’s mood and imagination

• Voice assistant: Voice-enabled assistance for reminders and quick answers.

• Full health & fitness suite: Heart rate, SpO₂, sleep insights, women’s cycle tracking, and 100+ sports modes.

• Fast USB-C Charging: A quick top-up even through your phone gives you hours of battery life

• 10 mins charge equals 1-day battery: Built to last through busy weekdays and weekend adventures.

• IP68 Water and Dust Resistant: Ready for sweat, splashes, and all your outdoor adventures.

• Seamless Android + iOS compatibility: Syncs with your world, whichever OS you use.

• Bold, youth-driven design with dual tone straps in trendy colours: Built to match every mood and style.

MYND is made for those who do it all, in one fast-moving rhythm. Every element of MYND is crafted with contemporary design in mind, from its sleek, modern look to intuitive controls that fit an active, style-conscious lifestyle. Its contextual AI features seamlessly simplify wellness, boost productivity, and amplify self-expression. It’s not just a device you wear; it’s tech that lives your lifestyle.

“Our strategy on product innovation for Smartwatches is informed by the rapidly evolving consumer mindspace and the dynamic developments in the tech domain. And our latest Fastrack smartwatch, MYND is at the intersection of these two. Today, our consumers are comfortable with AI, and are exploring the infinite possibilities that it provides for work, play and health. With a multitude of AI features, Fastrack MYND is an engaging device that provides a limitless possibility for self-expression even as it simplifies multiple tasks. We are excited to see how our consumers make their MYND smartwatch uniquely theirs. Fastrack MYND is the beginning of another innovative journey for the Smart Wearables team at Titan’s Watches & Wearables Division,” says Seenivasan K, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Wearable Division.

Fastrack is transforming the smartwatches segment with intelligent AI features that seamlessly adapt to every aspect of your lifestyle. Step into the future of smart living with MYND, designed to keep pace with your creativity, self-expression, and wellness. Priced at just ₹3,999, Fastrack MYND is available at Fastrack stores, Titan World outlets, leading watch + mobile phone dealers and e-commerce platforms, and at www.fastrack.in.

About Fastrack
Fastrack, India’s iconic youth brand, exudes a fashion-forward ethos, embodying contemporary style and the expression of the youth zeitgeist. Fastrack designs are trendy and eye-catching, catering to the bold and fashion-conscious. With a diverse range of accessories and a finger on the pulse of youth culture, Fastrack’s creations resonate with the aspirations and preferences of its dynamic consumer base.

Mahanagar Gas Ltd. (MGL), one of India’s leading natural gas distribution companies, has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign Mumbai chalta hai MGL par!. The campaign highlights MGL’s indispensable role in the city’s daily life, backed by powerful statistics that capture its scale and impact.

‘Mumbai Chalta Hai MGL Par!’ – A brand campaign that captures the sheer scale of MGL’s presence in Mumbai

For over three decades, MGL has been at the heart of Mumbai’s energy ecosystem. Today, the brand directly powers more than 28 lakh households with Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and fuels over 11 lakh vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while also serving industries and commercial establishments across the city.

Mumbai Chalta Hai MGL Par

Watch it on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watchv=FB9KPmLbxj8

Ms. Neera Phate, Head Corporate Communications, MGL
“Every single day, millions of Mumbaikars depend on MGL, often without realising it. From fuelling kitchens in more than 28 lakh homes to powering over 11 lakh vehicles on our roads, MGL is truly a lifeline of the city. Mumbai chalta hai MGL par! is not just a campaign line; it is a reality we are proud to enable, and this campaign is a celebration of our inseparable bond with Mumbai.“

The thought behind the campaign
Conceptualised by MX Advertising, the campaign marks a major milestone for MGL as it shifts from being seen purely as a utility provider to asserting its role as an enabler of Mumbai’s unstoppable pace.

Mr. Ajit Nair, Director, MX Advertising
“The challenge was to craft a campaign that could capture the sheer scale of MGL’s presence in Mumbai, while also building an emotional bridge with the city. Numbers became our storytelling tool – because they don’t just talk about reach, they highlight the magnitude of MGL’s impact on everyday life. Mumbai chalta hai MGL par! is a simple line, but it captures the trust of millions and the impressive numbers that MGL has achieved in the last three decades.”

A creative approach rooted in scale and pride
The campaign brings alive real Mumbai moments but anchors them in numbers that matter. Creatives showcase statistics like ‘Kitchens in 28 lakh+ homes run on MGL PNG’ or ‘11 lakh+ vehicles run on MGL CNG‘ – everyday facts that reinforce how MGL fuels the city’s rhythm.

Mr. Atif Shaikh, Creative Director, MX Advertising
“Instead of abstract promises, we chose to highlight hard facts. When we say that 28 lakh homes cook on MGL CNG and 11 lakh vehicles run on MGL PNG, it immediately builds credibility and pride. The creative idea was to combine numbers with human stories, so people see not just statistics, but their own lives reflected in the brand. That’s how we arrived at a line as universal and true as Mumbai chalta hai MGL par!“

Taking the message to the streets, this multimedia campaign runs across print, outdoor, radio and digital platforms. The print-cum-outdoor campaign is also MX’s first AI-generated campaign.

With this campaign driven by MX Advertising, MGL has made a decisive entry into brand-led communication, establishing itself not just as a utility, but as the very energy that keeps Mumbai moving.

In an era where data is the new currency and AI is reshaping how businesses operate, KAN Infocom has firmly established itself as a catalyst for digital transformation. As the Presenting Partner of the 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025, KAN Infocom did more than sponsor the event – it amplified critical conversations around AI and analytics, enabling enterprises to explore how data can drive measurable growth, operational efficiency, and customer-centric solutions at scale.

Kan Infocom solution in action at the 2nd Edition Data & AI Event in Mumbai

Rooted in client-first thinking, agile execution, and innovation, KAN Infocom’s presence reinforced its mission: empowering organizations to translate analytics into strategic advantage through actionable intelligence, scalable solutions, and real-world use cases.

As Presenting Partner, KAN Infocom led meaningful conversations around the power of Qlik solutions in enabling real-time data visualization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. These discussions helped enterprises see how advanced analytics platforms can drive operational efficiency, customer-centricity, and measurable growth.

A Glimpse into the 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025: A Transformative Gathering

The 2nd Edition Data Analytics & AI Show 2025 was a convergence of minds, with 60+ organizations and 25+ industry speakers engaging in high-impact conversations on Generative AI, real-time analytics, ethical AI adoption, and data infrastructure. Under KAN Infocom’s leadership as Presenting Partner, the event delivered actionable insights on these critical topics, focusing on translating advanced technologies into real business outcomes.

The audience represented a wide spectrum of industries, from BFSI and healthcare to retail and digital platforms, creating fertile ground for cross-sector learning and collaboration.

Key Sessions & Highlights from the Day

Panel 1: The AI Wind – Where Does It Start

This session explored how organizations can move from AI experimentation to creating enterprise-wide impact. Panelists from HDFC Bank, Tata AIG, Square Yards, and others shared approaches to building AI-ready data infrastructure, securing executive sponsorship, and aligning AI initiatives with business goals.

Corporate Presentation by KAN Infocom

Imran Khan, Business Head – Sales & Marketing, KAN Infocom, delivered an inspiring session on how KAN Infocom’s AI and analytics solutions – powered by Qlik – enable real-time data visualization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. The presentation demonstrated KAN Infocom’s role as a trusted partner helping enterprises transform data into strategic advantage.

Panel 2: Beyond the Proof of Concept: Best Enterprise Practices in Analytics Adoption

A standout session where Imran Khan (KAN Infocom) joined leaders from RBL Bank, L&T Finance, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank to discuss how organizations can scale analytics beyond pilots to achieve enterprise-wide execution. The discussion emphasized embedding analytics into core operations – a principle KAN Infocom helps its clients achieve daily.

Panel 3: Bridging the Gap – Fostering Collaboration & Empowerment in the Data & AI Era

Leaders from Dream11, LOral, Vodafone Idea, and others shared strategies to build a data-first culture, empower teams, and drive ethical AI adoption – themes that aligned with KAN Infocom’s commitment to enabling collaborative, data-driven innovation.

Following each panel discussion, prestigious awards were presented to domain experts and companies for their exceptional long-term contributions to AI and data analytics excellence.

The KAN Infocom Impact

KAN Infocom’s involvement as Presenting Partner was central to the event’s success – their thought leadership helped bridge the gap between advanced technologies and real business outcomes. The company’s commitment to actionable insights, innovation, and industry-aligned solutions left a lasting impression on attendees and set the tone for future collaborations.

The Road Ahead

KAN Infocom continues to lead as a trusted innovation partner, helping enterprises across industries harness the full potential of AI and analytics. With KAN Infocom driving the future of digital transformation, the journey promises to be innovative, insightful, and inspiring.

Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) announces that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have granted a 10 CFR Part 810 Authorization (“Specific License”) to export their ANEEL fuel technology and services to India. The specific license, signed by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, includes assurances from key Indian nuclear industry “end users”, including Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL), and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

CCTE Secures 10 CFR Part 810 License, Advancing US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation

CCTE designed and patented a thorium-enriched uranium fuel (called ANEEL fuel) that can “plug-and-play” in existing Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), resulting in significantly higher burnup, reduced waste, lower costs, enhanced safety, and proliferation-resistant performance. The export license marks a major milestone, authorizing CCTE to export its nuclear technology from the United States to India. This validates the demand for ANEEL fuel in India, strengthens the U.S. HALEU industry, and paves the way for near-term U.S.-India nuclear cooperation.

Mehul Shah, CEO and Founder of CCTE, emphasized the broader implications, “The approval of the Part 810 license unlocks the full potential of ANEEL fuel and reignites the U.S.-India 123 Agreement, marking a historic milestone in strategic nuclear cooperation. We are deeply grateful to the U.S. and Indian establishments for their vision and support in enabling this breakthrough. With thorium at its core, ANEEL fuel delivers higher performance and energy security, driving a cleaner and safer energy future for the world.”

The achievement has also been recognized as a critical advancement for the U.S.-India partnership by leading organizations such as US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the USISPF, noted, “The U.S.-India energy partnership is a key pillar of our bilateral ties, and the approval of Clean Core Thorium Energy’s 10 CFR Part 810 license marks a historic step forward in U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation. This milestone not only strengthens bilateral trust but also demonstrates how American innovation and Indian expertise can address the world’s growing demand for advancing energy security and nonproliferation goals.”

In August 2025, CCTE announced that the second set of four rodlets exceeded 45 GWd/MTU-nearly six to seven times the average burnup limit of standard natural uranium fuel used in PHWRs/CANDUs. This milestone burn-up accomplishment at Idaho National Lab’s Advanced Test Reactor provides technical validation for the ANEEL fuel’s potential to redefine performance and sustainability standards in the nuclear industry. Indian industry partners highlighted the advantages. “ANEEL fuel presents a substantial opportunity to enhance the competitive positioning of PHWR/CANDU technology, while simultaneously accelerating the realization of thorium as a more potentially sustainable nuclear fuel source than uranium,” said Anil V. Parab, Whole-time Director and Senior EVP at Larsen & Toubro.

In 2024, CCTE announced partnerships with key Indian private and public sector partners including Larsen & Toubro and the National Thermal Power Corporation, reinforcing the strong foundation for collaboration in deploying advanced nuclear technologies. CCTE plans to further technical collaboration and commercial contracts with Indian partners in the coming months for commercialization of the ANEEL fuel.

About Clean Core Thorium Energy
Clean Core Thorium Energy is a U.S.-based nuclear innovation company developing advanced nuclear fuel solutions using thorium and HALEU. Its patented ANEEL™ fuel is designed to enhance the safety, economics, and nonproliferation profile of PHWRs and CANDU reactors while drastically reducing nuclear waste.

Learn more at /cleancore.energy. Follow us on LinkedIn and X.

The final countdown has begun for InfoComm India 2025, the nations definitive tradeshow for Professional Audiovisual (Pro AV) and integrated experiences. Opening its doors from 9-11 September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, the event is set to be a landmark edition, featuring a packed show floor spread across four halls, an insightful summit program, and a sharp focus on the real-world integration of Artificial Intelligence in the AV ecosystem.

The epicenter of Pro AV in India: Where the industry connects, learns, and discovers the future of technology

The 2025 exhibition will host an expansive showcase of 200 leading companies from 11 countries, making it a critical destination for sourcing next-generation technology. Attendees will have the first look at over 130 new product launches, with the range of innovation further expanded by 39 first-time exhibitors. This growth is exemplified by Jasmine Hall on Level 3, which has tripled in scale, featuring more than 40 exhibitors, making it a must-visit area. Key exhibitors include ET, Beenext, BXB, Drita, Extron, Hubris, Infonics, Silicon Radio House, Televic, Qizar and more.

“Indias Pro AV market is not just growing; its innovating at an incredible pace, and InfoComm India is at the very heart of this transformation,” said June Ko, Executive Director of InfoCommAsia. “This year, we are placing a major emphasis on AI readiness and practical, hands-on learning. From the show floor to the summit, attendees will discover tangible solutions and actionable strategies to navigate the next wave of technological advancement.”

AI Takes Center Stage on the Show Floor
This years exhibition will be a hotbed of AI-powered innovation. Attendees will get a firsthand look at next-generation solutions designed to create smarter, more efficient, and more engaging experiences. Key AI-driven products on showcase include:

• BOSCH (D20): Demonstrating the IX Series DSP Amplifiers with an integrated TaskEngine for smart automation and intelligent zone control in complex AV environments.

• DVSI (C33): Featuring AI:EX, an on-premise AV management system using AI for predictive support, NLP-based control, and intelligent troubleshooting.

• IACTIVE TECHNOLOGY (K33): Unveiling the IActive W Pro Series, an all-in-one interactive flat panel with built-in AI for real-time feedback and task automation.

• KORBYT (TE07): Presenting an AI Suite for Digital Signage that enables AI-driven content personalization and intelligent scheduling.

• MODERN STAGE SERVICE (K20): Launching AI video generation solution that converts ideas and scripts into high-impact videos for advertisements, storytelling, and education, enabling users to create visually stunning, cost-effective, and personalized content at scale.

• QIZAR SOLUTIONS (TH17): Displaying AIDA – camera equipped with 12G-SDI, a full bandwidth NDI, Genlock, and AI auto-tracking to streamline workflow with superior versatility and professional results.

• X-TEN AV (L26): Presenting XAVIA – AV industry’s first AI agent that streamlines workflow, automating designs, BOMs, proposals, reports, and project management for greater accuracy and efficiency.

• WILDCARD TECHNO SERVICES (TD01): Presenting Yealink MeetingBar A40 – a compact video bar with AI audio, Intelli-Focus camera and touchscreen for seamless meetings.

Other exhibitors with market-ready AI-driven solutions include Lumens Digital Optics Inc. (F20), Technoclass Edtech (TG10), Datavideo Technologies (CC01), Sennheiser (F10), and Stapes India (TE17). Explore even more solutions and exhibitors here.

A Vibrant Show Floor: Hotbed of Innovation
InfoComm India 2025 will serve as a launch pad for over 130 new-to-market solutions. Highlights from the show floor include:

• BARCO (E20): Launching its ClickShare Hub: one of the first modular video conferencing room systems built on Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform, enabling AI-assisted meeting experiences.

• DATAVIDEO TECHNOLOGIES (CC01): Presenting the all-new 4K auto tracking PTZ camera with AI tracking, and its Auto Podcast solution.

• LUMENS (F20): Unveiling its brand new VoiceConnect solution that features built-in voice detection, allowing auto-framing of active presenter, highlighting active speaker and intelligently follow conversations between multiple guests.

• SENSES ELECTRONICS (G35): Debuting their 4K smart panel SenseTeam, with AI-enhanced camera and microphone, PIR sensor and secure NFC reader.

Go Beyond the Booth: Immersive Demos, Workshops & Networking
This year, InfoComm India is rolling out new experiences and initiatives:

• Dedicated Demo Rooms: For the first time at InfoComm India, leading brands including HARMAN, JABRA, and SILICON RADIO HOUSE will host dedicated rooms on level 1 of JWCC for in-depth solution demonstrations.

• AVIXA Xchange Live: For the first time in India, the thriving AVIXA Xchange online community comes to life on the show floor. This dedicated hub will host engaging discussions and in-person connections for groups including the AVIXA Women’s Council in Asia, Rising Professionals, AV Marketers, and the AV/IT Community.

• Practical AVoIP Skills Workshop: On Day 3 (11 Sept), professionals can gain practical expertise in the “Mastering AV Networking” session. This expert-led training provides hands-on experience in configuring and implementing essential AVoIP protocols.

• First-ever AVIXA CTS Training in India: Demonstrating huge industry demand, AVIXAs in-person CTS (Certified Technology Specialist™) preparation course, held for the first time in India from 7-9 September, is fully booked, offering a sold-out class a direct pathway to certification just before the show.

The Summit is set to feature a lineup of more than 50 distinguished industry experts and thought leaders from across India and the globe, spread across over 60 dynamic sessions. This year, the spotlight is on AI – how it integrates into AV workflows, and how professionals can apply it meaningfully across various environments, including enterprise, education, government, and media. The show kicks off on 9 Sept, at 10.30 am with “Reimagining Boundaries: The Future of Business & Technology in 2030,” a high-powered panel discussion offering a glimpse into the transformative trends that will redefine industries.

The InfoComm India Summit is free to attend for all registered visitors, except for select training sessions and workshops, which require a fee. The complete Show Program and Schedule are available here.

Discover the “Hidden Gems”
As a final call to visitors, the show encourages everyone to explore the unique networking and learning opportunities that make InfoComm India an unmissable event:

• Regional AV Roundtable & Mixer: Taking place on 10 Sept, this is an exclusive, high-value networking event where system integrators, manufacturers, and solution providers converge to explore emerging trends and opportunities.

• Sector-Focused Show Floor Tour: Happening on 10 Sept, at 11 am, this expert-led tour focuses on Smart Workplaces & Smart Classrooms. This is designed to help buyers find the specific solutions specific for creating intelligent and responsive ecosystems in workspaces and learning environments.

• Welcome Networking Event: Co-organized with AVIXA, this session provides a dynamic platform for connecting with AV professionals and tech decision-makers from across industries.

Plan Your Visit: Final Call for Registration
Professionals and technology end-users are encouraged to register in advance to ensure seamless entry. Visitor registration is complimentary. Secure your show badge here. For complete show information, visit our website here.

About InfoComm Asia Pte Ltd.
InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd. extends its influence through three marquee shows: InfoComm Asia; InfoComm China, Beijing; and InfoComm India. Each show features an exhibition that showcases the world’s most cutting-edge and in-demand professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions and a summit that presents learning opportunities. The shows bring together professional audiovisual industry players and top-level decision-makers from across different markets to tap into the vast potential presented by pro AV solutions.

For more information, visit: infocomm-asia.com | infocomm-china.com | infocomm-india.com.

This festive season, brands are not just advertising, they are racing to secure their place on Truecaller Ads, the communications platform that sits at the center of India’s celebratory moments.

With billions of calls and messages exchanged during the festive surge, marketers are increasingly turning to Truecaller to reach consumers when excitement, attention, and purchase intent are at their peak.

Truecaller Ads Promises a Stellar Lineup for Brands Looking at Capturing this Festive Season

Festive demand is already surging. Premium roadblocks on Truecaller are being snapped up for the next two months, with leading players across e-commerce, jewelry, automotive, and consumer durables reserving inventory to dominate consumer conversations at scale. Masthead placements – the prime real estate on the app’s daily communication flow are witnessing record uptake, offering brands unmatched front-and-center visibility. Meanwhile, Truecaller Play, the platform’s immersive ad environment for rich media and video, is empowering marketers to tell powerful, emotion-driven stories that consumers remember.

What truly sets Truecaller apart is its ability to blend impact with intelligence. Beyond reach and scale, the platform delivers end-to-end measurement-from engagement analytics and conversion tracking to brand lift studies and attribution insights ensuring every rupee invested translates into measurable outcomes and real business growth.

Commenting on the momentum, Vanita Rathore, Senior Director, Global Ad Sales at Truecaller, said, “Festivals in India are about connections, and Truecaller sits at the heart of these connections. This year, brands aren’t waiting, they’re lapping up our festive solutions early to secure dominance. With high-impact formats like roadblocks, masthead takeovers, and Truecaller Play, we’re enabling marketers to not just advertise, but to become part of meaningful conversations and celebrations. The response so far is a strong validation of the trust brands place in Truecaller to deliver festive impact at scale.“

With more than 3 billion impressions delivered through roadblocks and 150 million users reached via its highest-impact solutions, Truecaller Ads continues to set the benchmark for advertisers. By combining unmatched consumer access, innovative formats, and performance-led measurement, the platform empowers brands to own festive conversations and drive real business results at scale.

About Truecaller and Truecaller Ads
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 56 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2024 alone. The company has been headquartered in Stockholm since 2009 and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021. Advertising is the primary revenue stream for Truecaller. Truecaller Ads serves 5 billion impressions every day and is trusted by over 10,000 brands.

Visit advertisers.truecaller.com for more information.

• Appointment comes as 47% of Indians love to travel to watch their favourite cricket matches live in the phenomenon of ‘sport-led’ travel

• Skyscanner’s collaboration with ‘SKY’ reflects its growing relevance in India and commitment to building stronger connections with travellers

Leading global travel app Skyscanner today announced Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav as its first-ever brand ambassador in India. Celebrated on the cricket field as ‘Mr. 360’ for his all-round play, SKY will now bring that same spirit to travel, partnering with Skyscanner to inspire and promote travel discovery as the Mr. 360 of travel. Soon to captain the side in the upcoming Asia Cup, this landmark collaboration draws upon the cricket star’s cultural influence and national appeal to expand Skyscanner’s reach and consumer engagement across India.

SKY- Brand Ambassador Skyscanner in India

SKY’s dynamic personality resonates with Skyscanner’s core audience of digital-first, lifestyle-oriented travellers constantly seeking fresh experiences, making the collaboration authentic and strategically aligned. His energy, lifestyle, and love for adventure mirror the brand’s mission to make travel simpler, smarter, and more inspiring.

With nearly half (47%) of Indians willing to travel to watch cricket live, the growing phenomenon of sport-led travel in the country, as highlighted by Skyscanner’s ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ report -complements this partnership and uniquely positions Skyscanner to tap into the passion for cricket. It turns the excitement of both leisure and cricket into a gateway of unforgettable travel experiences.

The partnership kicks off with an exciting contest on both Skyscanner India and SKY’s social media pages, inviting participants to curate a personalized travel plan for SKY using Skyscanner’s features. From underrated destinations to hidden gems and authentic local experiences, users can showcase their ultimate travel plans. The top 10 entries will be rewarded with an exclusive meet-and-greet with him, offering an opportunity for engagement between the brand’s community and the newly appointed ambassador.

Sharing his views, Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, who is represented by RISE Worldwide, said, “Travel has always been something that excites me as much as cricket- whether it is exploring new places during tours or discovering hidden gems on break. Partnering with Skyscanner feels natural because it’s about making travel simple, smart, and full of possibilities. I’m looking forward to inspiring more fans to combine their love for cricket with the joy of discovering the world.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Neel Ghose,Country Manager & General Manager, Travel Expert, Skyscanner, India, shares, “We are really excited to welcome SKY to the Skyscanner family. His connection with people across India makes him the perfect partner to help us show travellers just how simple, affordable and joyful planning a trip with Skyscanner can be.With him alongside, we aim to make travel not just more accessible, but a source of inspiration and connection for every Indian traveller. Last year, we inaugurated our first office in India and today marks yet another special occasion with SKY as the face of our brand. This is a testament to our growing presence in the market and how we wish to highlight travel to wider demographics, inspiring exploration with Skyscanner as a trusted travel partner.”

Together, Skyscanner and Suryakumar Yadav aspire to empower Indian travellers to dream bigger, travel smarter, and embrace new adventures with confidence.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and initiatives on this partnership!

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure theyve seen the best possible options, all in one place.

At the newly launched Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi, the steel-clad Lac Hong 900 LX armored car sits on display, its surface marked by bullet impacts. It is a silent testament to the trials it endured before making its public debut at the “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” exhibition. This exhibition commemorates Vietnam’s August Revolution of 1945, which ended colonial rule, and the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1946. The event put the spotlight on VinFast’s ambitions in a very public way.

The VF 9 featured in Vietnam’s National Day parade on September 2

Not far from the exhibition, another chapter of this ambition was unfolding on Hanoi’s parade grounds. Here, open-top VinFast VF 9 vehicles-custom-built for ceremonial use-were seen for the first time as military and police units rehearsed for the National Day parade on September 2. While these two models appeared in different venues and at different moments, their emergence points to a larger message: one company can now meet demands that range from national defense to public ceremony. It is also a reminder of how much capability Vietnam has built in a short span, reshaping the image of a nation once devastated by war.

“This is evidence that Vietnam is now able to manufacture vehicles on par with about 18 countries around the world that have their own domestic automotive brands,” said automotive analyst Dinh Van Nam, to Vietnamese media.

The Head-of-State Test

The technical achievement of the Lac Hong 900 LX is marked, first and foremost, by the marks left on its armor: hundreds of bullet impacts and signs of mine blasts. According to company data, the car endured 440 bullet shots and 11 explosive tests at the German Beschussamt Ulm center, ultimately achieving the European VPAM VR7 ballistic standard for head-of-state vehicles. This rating means the vehicle can withstand high-powered rifle fire and explosive charges, a requirement for use by world leaders. It was the first Vietnamese-made car to undergo and pass such independent testing.

VinFast did not work alone. The company collaborated with INKAS, a Canadian firm with expertise in armored vehicles, to develop the Lac Hong 900 LX. In the process, VinFast combined international know-how with domestic manufacturing, completing final assembly at its Hai Phong factory.

Design details carry unmistakable Vietnamese identity: the gold-plated Lạc bird logo, a grille inspired by bamboo, and wood and leather interiors using Golden Nanmu and Nappa. The Lạc bird is a mythical creature from Vietnamese folklore, often used as a national symbol. Bamboo is another deeply rooted cultural motif, representing resilience and unity. These gestures of local pride stand alongside technical milestones, such as an extended wheelbase.

“The Lac Hong 900 LX has a wheelbase extended by about 20 centimeters compared to the VF 9. This not only increases the interior space, but also presents a real challenge in automotive manufacturing,” observed Nguyen Manh Thang of WhatCarVN to Vietnamese media.

If the Lac Hong 900 LX is about proving technical depth, the special VF 9s speak to how fast that depth can be turned to new tasks.

Demonstration of Flexible Production

For the parade marking the 80th anniversary of National Day, VinFast completed four specially modified open-top VF 9 vehicles at the request of the Ministry of Public Security. Each of these cars underwent extensive alterations, including the removal of the B, C, and D pillars and separation of the roof from the A pillar, along with a new exterior paint job, redesigned front grille, refreshed leather interiors, and significant updates to the electrical system. Completing these four ceremonial vehicles required nearly 2,400 hours of labor.

At the same time, VinFast delivered 12 VF 9s in white, custom-built for the Traffic Police. These vehicles featured further adjustments, such as a redesigned hood with ventilation ports removed and a new grille with horizontal bars. Each car was also fitted with specialized equipment as required by the Traffic Police, including badges, flag mounts, lights, and sirens. VinFast engineers spent an estimated 60 to 80 hours refining each of these vehicles to meet the exacting standards for their ceremonial and operational duties during the National Day festivities.

The vehicles themselves, with their newly designed grilles and functional ceremonial upgrades, offer a demonstration of VinFast’s ability to adapt and customize. In most countries, vehicles used for state parades or official patrol duties form a specialized segment of the automotive market, demanding high reliability and strict compliance with protocol. By meeting the high standards required by the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Public Security, VinFast gains credentials that may help it compete for government fleet contracts abroad.

As the VF 9s roll onto the parade ground and the steel doors of the Lac Hong 900 LX close, VinFast offers no dramatic declarations. The presence of these vehicles at A80 sends a quieter message: Vietnam now occupies a place in the global auto value chain where high technical standards and rapid, tailored production are both in reach. It is a modest, real step forward on the country’s industrial path.