As AI continues to permeate every facet of life, countries around the world are increasingly focused on the idea of "sovereign AI" and the growing notion of "technological sovereignty". China, for instance, has unveiled plans to restrict American investments in critical Chinese technologies and enterprises. Yet, amid these moves, one thing remains clear: the critical importance of cybersecurity cannot be overlooked

According to Reuters, Malaysia is in discussions with semiconductor firms operating in the country to assess the impact of potential US tariffs on chips, Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz stated. The government is evaluating how the tariffs could affect its export-driven economy, given Malaysia's significant role in the global semiconductor supply chain

On February 28, 2025, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, met with executives from 23 major Chinese corporations in Hanoi to strengthen economic ties and position Vietnam as a key global production hub. The roundtable, reported by Bloomberg and Viet Nam News, centered on expanding investments in infrastructure, energy, and high-tech manufacturing

The Malaysian government urges solar companies to seek alternative markets amid new US tariffs affecting Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam amid US tariff uncertainties

The US tariff policy is set to cause major changes in the global supply chain. Joe Huang, president of Qisda, stated that while the company currently has manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, it is considering a fourth base in Southeast Asia due to tariffs introduced under former President Donald Trump. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the leading contenders. Qisda is conducting preliminary evaluations and expects to make a decision within six months

The concept of digital twins initially emerged in consumer applications for AR/VR/MR, but its future lies in smart manufacturing. Like quantum computing, this is not a technology that will take 20 years to materialize, but a tangible reality within the next decade. Hardware evolution may progress even faster than expected, but the real challenge lies in educating users and making these new technologies mainstream applications

Taiwanese PCB manufacturers have ramped up expansion in Thailand to hedge geopolitical risks, with over 40 factories set to start production by 2025. However, the rush is fueling concerns over water and power shortages, a talent squeeze, and looming price wars. Industry expert warns that managing multinational operations while strengthening product positioning will be a major challenge

Arm Holdings Plc has agreed to provide chip designs and technology to Malaysia over the next decade, to help catapult the Southeast Asian country beyond chip assembly and into more valuable semiconductor production

How big is Singapore? Around 700 square kilometers—roughly the size of Pudong north of Century Avenue in Shanghai. After dark, dinner was served on the first floor of the Capella Hotel, with six tables arranged for about 60 guests, including our hosts from Bank of America (BoA)

At the end of February, I attended an exclusive "Breakthrough Technology Dialogue" in Singapore—a gathering of global tech elites. My aim was to capture the essence of the insights shared while blending in my own observations, offering a glimpse into the collective mindset driving Asia's embrace of transformative technologies

Singapore is investigating whether Dell Technologies Inc. and Super Micro Computer Inc. servers shipped to Malaysia housed Nvidia Corp. chips barred from China, outlining a case that's highlighted the role of middlemen in funneling high-end semiconductors

Malaysia announced Arm Holdings Plc's imminent deal to establish a base in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of political stability and transparent policies. However, the country's talent outflow challenges the plan, despite efforts under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and a commitment of MYR25 billion (approx. US$5.6 billion) to bolster semiconductor industry training

According to James Wang, chairman and CEO of Sercomm, the company initially expected a replenishment of network equipment inventories in 2024, which has been delayed until the second quarter of 2025. Now, however, customer orders are clearly rebounding

According to Bloomberg, Philippines-based Ayala Corp. decided to retain Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), its contract manufacturing subsidiary, after previously considering a sale, Chief Financial Officer Alberto de Larrazabal said. He noted that IMI is expected to operate profitably this year following a reorganization and a streamlined corporate structure aimed at improving efficiency

Apple has signed an agreement with Indonesia to invest in the country, paving the way for sales of the iPhone 16 to resume in Southeast Asia's largest nation