Tech
The top three ‘megatrends’ set to transform the Asia Pacific region
The rapid development of technologies such as generative AI and the metaverse is already changing how people in Asia Pacific live, work, socialise and shop.
Bots jump Schengen queue in Turkey snapping up valuable visa appointments
Prized slots sold on for up to €3,000 on black market. Russian hackers suspected of running operation.
Yango Group rolls out bilingual AI assistant ‘Yasmina’ in Oman
Russian tech-driven Yango Group launched Yasmina, its human‑like bilingual AI assistant, in Oman.
Samsung to build Tesla’s next-gen FSD chip in $16.5bn deal
Samsung Electronics has just secured a major win by signing a $16.5bn chip manufacturing deal with Tesla, a move that could revive Samsung’s foundry business after a challenging period.
China’s WeRide secures Saudi Arabia's first autonomous driving licence
Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide has received Saudi Arabia's first autonomous driving licence for its Robotaxi service.
Google early warning app in 2023 failed to notify 10mn of Turkey earthquake severity
Expert says it is concerning it has taken more than two years to get information on extent of failure of system.
Brazilian AI startup bags millions for sector push
Artificial intelligence startup Fu2re has secured BRL12.5mn ($2.23mn) in funding to expand its generative AI capabilities.
Joygame poised to become Turkey’s first public gaming company
Firm's chief talks of strong flow of talent into an industry that receives strong government backing.
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Intel pulls back from Costa Rica in fresh blow to manufacturing hub
Intel Corp will close its chip assembly and testing facility in Costa Rica as part of a global restructuring programme designed to improve operational efficiency, in the latest withdrawal by a multinational manufacturer from the country.
Driverless cargo trucks introduced on Kazakhstan-China border
“Smart Customs” project includes electronic goods declaration system, continuous unmanned freight movement and automated navigation.
Mexico removes SpaceX platform from Gulf after unauthorised operations
Mexico has removed a platform contracted by Elon Musk's SpaceX from the Gulf of Mexico following unauthorised recovery operations, as officials mull sanctions against the space technology company.
Serbia expects ICT exports to reach €5bn despite incentive cuts
Serbia's ICT industry has become one of the country's leading economic drivers, with annual exports climbing from €375mn in 2012 to over €4bn in 2024.
Kyrgyzstan remains tight-lipped over crypto exchange facilitating huge financial flows to sanctioned Russia
$9.3bn reportedly moved over four months.
Uzbekistan’s Click and Kazakhstan’s Halyk Bank announce $237mn fintech banking partnership deal
Combination to further integrate digital and traditional services on Uzbek market.
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Brazil’s Lula pushes for BRICS-led subsea cable network
Brazilian President Lula da Silva is backing a feasibility study for a new subsea cable system connecting BRICS nations, aimed at reducing dependency on existing routes concentrated in the Global North.
Albania eyes AI-run ministry as PM Rama pushes digital governance
The government in Tirana has embraced AI, even using ChatGPT to analyse where Albanian legislation diverges from the EU acquis.
Turkey blocks e-SIM providers
Legal basis for the move unknown, says cyber law expert.
Ukrainian cyberattack cripples Gazprom’s digital infrastructure
Ukrainian hackers have reportedly wiped servers, clouds and backups, crippling the control systems in an unprecedented cyberattack on Russia’s gas champion Gazprom.
4iG strikes strategic partnerships with UAE giants e&, Mubadala, EDGE Group during president’s official visit to Budapest
Deals to foster joint initiatives in digital infrastructure, telecommunications and strategic investments, with a particular focus on CEE, MENA and the Western Balkans.
Belarus drone breach prompts diplomatic protest from Lithuania
a Russian-made Gerbera drone entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus and crashed about one kilometer inside Lithuania, close to the closed Šumskas border checkpoint.