Microsoft has announced a US$6.2 billion investment to lease artificial intelligence (AI) computing capacity in Narvik, Norway. The capacity will be provided by UK cloud infrastructure firm Nscale and Norwegian energy company Aker, utilizing 100% renewable energy under a five-year agreement starting in 2026.
A pair of major technology expositions in China has concluded, offering a look into the country's tech supply chain, which is navigating US trade tensions with a firm commitment to self-reliance. The China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) and the SEMI-e Shenzhen International Semiconductor Exhibition underscored both the ambition and inherent challenges facing the industry.
Baidu, one of China's leading internet companies, has cultivated its in-house Kunlun chip for years and recently secured a significant contract with China Mobile, marking the first step in its commercialization process of supplying external customers.
Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma has stepped back into the spotlight, reclaiming a central role in the company's strategy after years of relative absence since his 2019 exit as chairman. Multiple reports suggest Ma is once again actively steering key decisions, with a sharpened focus on artificial intelligence and Alibaba Cloud — areas critical to the company's long-term competitiveness.
US President Donald Trump's three-day state visit to the United Kingdom (September 16-18) has become a showcase of America's technology clout, marked by the presence of Silicon Valley power players such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Their joint commitment to invest heavily in Britain's artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure underscores Trump's push for "sovereign AI" development, a theme he has advanced throughout his recent visits to France and the Middle East.
Samsung Electronics is the only South Korean tech company invited to a new US government initiative focused on modernizing the nation's healthcare system. The program, dubbed "Make Health Tech Great Again," is a public-private partnership launched by US President Donald Trump.
The Taiwan Expo in the Philippines opened on September 17, 2025 in Manila after a six-year hiatus. James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), noted that Taiwan's return to the Philippines comes amid drastically changed international supply chains and geopolitical dynamics. Both the Philippine government and business sectors now have stronger trust in the technological solutions Taiwan offers.
Amid uncertainties posed by major powers such as the US and China, Japan and Europe are strengthening their ties. The scope of Japan-EU cooperation could potentially expand to include the development of rare earth resources in Greenland.
Tencent Holdings has unveiled its most comprehensive AI and cloud strategy to date, opening its artificial intelligence capabilities and confirming full compatibility with China's mainstream domestic processors. The company framed AI as a core driver of industrial efficiency and global expansion, aligning with Beijing's tech self-sufficiency agenda amid tightening US export restrictions.
Apple's US$3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality (MR) headset has struggled to find a foothold with consumers. Its hefty price tag, bulky design, and a limited number of applications have all been obstacles since its launch. But while it may not be a hit with the average user, the device is quietly finding its niche in the business world, emerging as a new tool for training, design, and retail.
On September 17, Meta Platforms unveiled its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display, marking a significant push into AI-integrated wearables.
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