News/Asia
Standard Chartered hires AI expert to lead wealth data analytics
Standard Chartered's appointment of former HSBC executive Yusuf Demiral as global head of wealth and retail banking data, analytics and AI signals an increasing focus on data-driven strategies in financial services. This leadership move underscores how major banking institutions are prioritizing artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance their wealth management and retail banking offerings. Key details: Standard Chartered has named Yusuf Demiral to lead its global wealth and retail banking data, analytics and AI initiatives. Demiral brings over 25 years of banking experience to the role, most recently serving as group head of data analytics and customer relationship management for wealth...
read May 27, 2025Acer launches AI-powered Swift Neo laptop in India
Acer enters India's AI laptop market with the Swift Neo, a compact device combining premium features and midrange pricing designed for students, professionals, and content creators. The new laptop balances performance capabilities with affordability, joining the growing selection of AI-enhanced computers becoming available to Indian consumers. The big picture: Acer has launched the Swift Neo AI laptop in India starting at ₹61,990 ($740), positioning it as an accessible premium option for productivity-focused users. The laptop is available exclusively through Flipkart in a single Rose Gold color option. With its aluminum chassis and ultra-light 1.2-gram weight, Acer is targeting both style-conscious...
read May 23, 2025AI upskilling takes center stage at SHRM Tech 2.0
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is establishing itself as a key player in the AI workforce development landscape through strategic industry engagement. By participating as a bronze sponsor at SHRM Tech 2.0 in Mumbai, one of India's largest HR technology events, USAII® has positioned its certification programs as solutions to the urgent AI upskilling needs facing organizations across sectors. This engagement highlights the growing recognition that AI literacy is no longer a future consideration but an immediate business imperative, particularly in the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific market. The big picture: USAII® showcased its vendor-neutral AI certification portfolio to over...
read May 23, 2025TikTok researchers contribute to AI-powered satellites that map ocean depths
Depth Anything V2, a powerful AI depth estimation model, is demonstrating remarkable potential when applied to satellite imagery analysis. In a recent experiment, this model trained on hundreds of thousands of synthetic images and millions of real ones was tested on Maxar's high-resolution satellite imagery of Bangkok, Thailand. This intersection of satellite technology and AI depth estimation represents a significant advancement in remote sensing capabilities, particularly for urban analysis, where understanding building heights and terrain features from aerial views has traditionally been challenging. The big picture: Mark Litwintschik successfully tested Depth Anything V2's largest model on satellite imagery to generate...
read May 22, 2025Citi equips Hong Kong staff with new AI tools
Citigroup is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities with the rollout of Citi AI tools for employees in Hong Kong, representing another major financial institution embracing AI for internal operations. The deployment aligns with Hong Kong Monetary Authority's push for responsible AI adoption in banking and extends Citi's existing AI implementation that already reaches 150,000 employees across 11 countries, showcasing how financial giants are strategically integrating AI into their global operations. The big picture: Citigroup has launched Citi AI, a suite of artificial intelligence tools for its employees in Hong Kong, supporting internal operations across several key functions. Key details: The...
read May 20, 2025Nvidia and Foxconn build AI supercomputer to power Taiwan’s tech future
Nvidia and Foxconn's new AI supercomputer collaboration marks a significant advancement in Taiwan's technological infrastructure. The partnership, which includes the Taiwan government and TSMC, represents a strategic investment to position Taiwan as an AI innovation hub in the semiconductor industry. This development highlights the growing importance of specialized AI computing resources in driving national technological competitiveness and industrial transformation. The big picture: Nvidia and Foxconn are developing a massive AI factory supercomputer in Taiwan equipped with 10,000 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, creating foundational AI infrastructure for researchers, startups, and industries throughout the region. The project represents an expansion of the companies'...
read May 20, 2025Indian healthcare AI startup Qure.AI targets IPO within 2 years
India's AI healthcare startup Qure.AI is targeting profitability within a year and plans an IPO within two years as it expands globally. The company's strategy highlights the rapidly growing market for AI in healthcare diagnostics, which is projected to surge from $14.92 billion to $110 billion by 2030, driven by increasing adoption for early disease detection and clinical workflow optimization. The big picture: Qure.AI, founded in 2016 and backed by Fractal Analytics, Peak XV Partners, and Novo Holdings, has raised $125 million to date and was valued at $264 million as of November 2024. CEO Prashant Warier revealed plans to...
read May 20, 2025AI takes center stage at Taiwan’s Computex tech showcase
Taiwan's Computex 2024 emerges as a critical intersection of AI innovation and geopolitical tension, as the tech industry's premier Asian trade show prepares to welcome 1,400 exhibitors amid escalating U.S. tariff threats. The event, running May 20-23, will feature industry luminaries including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang—whose appearance last year sparked "Jensanity" from fans—alongside executives from Qualcomm, Foxconn, and other tech giants navigating an increasingly complex manufacturing landscape influenced by U.S.-China trade policies. The big picture: This year's Computex will focus on industry collaboration in response to macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures rather than just showcasing new consumer technologies. Nvidia CEO Jensen...
read May 19, 2025Foxconn Q1 profit to surge on AI server demand boom
Taiwan's Foxconn is riding the AI server boom to record profits, with first-quarter earnings expected to surge 72% year-over-year to $1.25 billion. As Apple's largest iPhone assembler and a key Nvidia AI server manufacturer, the company's strategic positioning in the AI hardware supply chain is paying dividends despite global trade uncertainties. The contrast between Foxconn's strong financial performance and its declining stock price highlights how geopolitical tensions between the US and China are creating volatility even for companies benefiting from the AI revolution. The big picture: Foxconn is expected to report a 72% profit jump for Q1 2025, reaching T$37.8...
read May 19, 2025Nvidia software gains full adoption across Taiwan
Nvidia is transforming Taiwan into a massive hub for its AI software ecosystem, exemplifying CEO Jensen Huang's vision of "sovereign AI" where nations build local computing infrastructure to maintain control over artificial intelligence development. At the annual Computex conference in Taipei, Nvidia unveiled several partnerships that position Taiwan as a crucial center for AI innovation and semiconductor manufacturing, leveraging relationships with the island's technology giants to strengthen its dominant position in the global AI infrastructure market. The big picture: Nvidia is systematically embedding its software across Taiwan's technology landscape, creating a comprehensive AI infrastructure throughout the island nation. Taiwan Semiconductor...
read May 19, 2025“Jensanity” highlights how Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang became a beacon of pride for Taiwan
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visits to Taiwan have transformed into cultural phenomena, creating rockstar-like receptions that contrast sharply with his relatively anonymous presence at similar U.S. events. The Taiwan-born executive's homecoming trips trigger public adoration, media frenzies, and corporate reverence in a country deeply connected to the semiconductor industry powering AI's global expansion. His most recent Taipei appearance shows how tech executives can become unexpected cultural icons when their business success intersects with national pride and industry leadership. The celebrity reception: Huang's appearance at this year's Computex trade show in Taipei has transformed into a full-fledged cultural moment with fans...
read May 19, 2025Singapore fund seeks Gulf investors for Indian data centers
Singapore's CapitaLand Investment is aggressively pursuing Gulf investors for a major data center fund in India, positioning itself at the intersection of emerging AI infrastructure needs and Middle Eastern capital flows. This strategic move comes as India transforms into an AI powerhouse, with computing capacity projected to grow at over 50% annually through 2030 and an increasing trend of AI talent remaining in the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. The big picture: Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment aims to raise $200-250 million from Gulf investors to build data centers in India as the country emerges as an artificial intelligence powerhouse. The...
read May 19, 2025Nvidia eyes global AI reach with new tools and ecosystem updates
Nvidia's latest technological announcements at Taiwan's Computex event signal its strategic push to maintain dominance in the AI computing boom. CEO Jensen Huang unveiled new products and ecosystem updates specifically designed to expand Nvidia's market reach while eliminating barriers to AI adoption across industries and geographies. This aggressive expansion reinforces Nvidia's determination to remain the central player in AI acceleration as the technology continues to reshape global industries. The big picture: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang used Asia's largest electronics forum to introduce new technologies aimed at sustaining the company's central position in the AI computing revolution. Key details: Huang unveiled...
read May 16, 2025Pakistan deputy PM faces backlash over fake PAF image in Parliament
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has triggered widespread criticism after citing a fake AI-generated newspaper image during a parliamentary speech, falsely attributing praise of Pakistan's air force to the UK's Daily Telegraph. The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation during periods of international tension, particularly as Pakistan and India exchange conflicting claims about recent military engagements without providing conclusive evidence to support their assertions. The big picture: A senior Pakistani government official publicly cited a fake AI-generated news clipping as legitimate evidence of international recognition for Pakistan's military capabilities. During a parliamentary session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign...
read May 16, 2025Airtel deploys AI fraud detection system in North India’s Haryana
Airtel's new AI-powered security solution marks a significant advancement in telecom cybersecurity, offering real-time protection against digital fraud across multiple communication platforms. As online scams grow increasingly sophisticated beyond simple OTP fraud schemes, this preventative approach to blocking malicious websites before users can access them represents a shift from reactive to proactive security for millions of mobile and broadband customers. The solution's automatic integration for all Airtel users in Haryana, at no additional cost, signals a potential new standard in telecom security offerings. The big picture: Airtel has launched what it claims is the world's first AI-powered real-time fraud detection...
read May 13, 2025AI chip demand surge reflected in TSMC’s April sales data
The S&P 500 hovers near record highs as investors digest a week of significant market-moving news including earnings reports, Apple's AI search exploration, Federal Reserve decisions, and international trade developments. Despite these major headlines, the index ended relatively flat, suggesting markets needed a breather after the recent historic rally. The oscillator indicator correctly signaled this pause was due, though markets closed the week less overbought than they began. Taiwan Semi's strong sales signal AI boom continues: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported impressive April sales figures that exceeded expectations, showing 22.2% month-over-month and 48.1% year-over-year growth. The results indicate the AI...
read May 13, 2025Gigabyte launches X870 and B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboards in India
Gigabyte's X870 and B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboards represent a significant advancement in clean, cable-free PC building technology. Launching in India with support for AMD's latest processors, these boards combine aesthetic appeal with practical features like reverse-connector designs, AI-powered memory tuning, and enhanced cooling capabilities. As custom PC building continues to evolve toward more streamlined installations, these motherboards address both performance demands and the growing preference for minimalist aesthetics. The big picture: Gigabyte has designed these motherboards specifically for cable-free PC builds, partnering with major case manufacturers to ensure widespread compatibility. The boards are compatible with Gigabyte's own C500P stealth...
read May 12, 2025AI drug firm METiS eyes $200M Hong Kong IPO
AI-driven drug discovery firm METiS Pharmaceuticals is exploring a potential Hong Kong IPO that could raise up to $200 million, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical development, with innovative companies seeking capital to advance their drug delivery and discovery capabilities. If completed before year-end as targeted, the offering would represent a significant milestone in the commercialization of AI-powered drug development platforms. The big picture: METiS Pharmaceuticals is working with advisers to prepare for a potential initial public offering on the Hong Kong stock exchange, targeting a raise of...
read May 10, 2025AI growth in India gets boost from Google Cloud
Google Cloud is accelerating its AI expansion in India with plans to bring its entire AI technology stack to this strategic growth market. The company is prioritizing local hosting of AI models to improve performance and data security while expanding data center infrastructure to better serve Indian enterprises and government agencies. This push comes as India emerges as one of Google Cloud's fastest-growing global markets and aligns with the country's own Rs 10,000 crore IndiaAI Mission initiative. The big picture: Google Cloud is strategically positioning its complete AI stack in India, viewing the market as critical to its global growth...
read May 9, 2025AWS boosts AI offerings and skills training in India
AWS is dramatically expanding its generative AI capabilities in India while simultaneously addressing the critical skills gap needed to power these advanced technologies. The company's dual focus on technology deployment and workforce development comes as part of a massive $16.4 billion investment commitment to the Indian market through 2030. This strategic expansion aims to position AWS as the premier partner for organizations looking to leverage generative AI while ensuring India develops the talent base needed to sustain AI-driven transformation across industries. The big picture: AWS is enhancing its generative AI offerings in India while investing heavily in workforce development to...
read May 9, 2025World Bank boosts Uttar Pradesh’s economy toward $1 trillion goal
Uttar Pradesh is launching an ambitious agriculture and AI initiative with World Bank support, targeting digital skills development and agricultural transformation in underserved regions. The dual programs represent a strategic push to leverage technology for economic growth while addressing regional disparities, positioning India's most populous state for participation in emerging technology sectors. The big picture: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched two major World Bank-backed initiatives – 'UP AGREES' and 'AI Pragya' – designed to revolutionize agriculture and build AI capabilities across the state. The UP AGREES project will deploy Rs 2,737 crore ($365 million) over six years to transform...
read May 7, 2025How Asian tech leaders are navigating the AI transformation
Asian IT leaders are showcasing powerful strategies for navigating AI transformation, offering valuable lessons as the technology reshapes industries worldwide. Companies like Tencent, Alibaba, and Samsung demonstrate how visionary leadership can leverage artificial intelligence for competitive advantage in some of the world's fastest-growing digital economies. Foster a culture of innovation: Great IT leaders create environments where experimentation and calculated risk-taking thrive, essential conditions for AI success. Tencent's co-founder Pony Ma built an innovation-driven empire by integrating AI into products like WeChat, which serves over one billion active users. Tencent's AI Lab focuses on machine learning applications in gaming, healthcare, and...
read May 6, 2025Taiwan’s foreign minister heads to Texas for trade boost amid tariff kerfuffle
Taiwan's foreign minister is heading to Texas to promote AI collaboration and deepen economic ties amid ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations. This diplomatic mission reflects Taiwan's strategic efforts to balance trade relations with the United States while strengthening its position as a key technology partner, particularly as Taiwan recently received a 90-day pause on potential 32% import tariffs from the Trump administration. The big picture: Taiwan is leveraging AI diplomacy as part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances with the United States while encouraging Taiwanese investment in American manufacturing. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will speak at a Taiwan-Texas AI...
read May 5, 2025MediaTek’s Q1 results reveal 4 key AI and mobile trends
MediaTek's first quarter results reveal a complex picture of growth amid margin pressures and strategic investments in AI and advanced wireless technologies. The Taiwanese chipmaker's performance highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing semiconductor companies as they navigate shifting product demands, geopolitical uncertainties, and the race to capitalize on AI computing capabilities. These financial indicators offer valuable insight into the broader tech ecosystem's health and strategic priorities. The big picture: MediaTek posted mixed Q1 results with revenue growth but declining profits, showcasing the semiconductor industry's volatile nature amid AI and wireless technology transformations. Revenue reached NT$153.3 billion ($4.7 billion), increasing...
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