The Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have formalised a strategic partnership to enhance social protection and poverty reduction efforts in the Philippines. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 15 November at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, the collaboration focuses on advancing digitalisation, improving monitoring and evaluation systems, and fostering data governance within the DSWD.
As a result, the partnership aims to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance evidence-based decision-making, and expand social protection services for the country’s poor and vulnerable communities. Additionally, the collaboration will leverage digital tools and robust evaluation practices to ensure that social programs are effective and adaptable to evolving societal needs.
Furthermore, the MOU outlines initiatives to support multistakeholder collaborations, promote continuous learning among government agencies, and improve the DSWD’s capacity to deliver responsive and effective social protection programs. In conclusion, this partnership represents a pivotal step toward institutional development and underscores the commitment of both organisations to building a stronger framework for social development programs and services in the Philippines.
Huawei plans to begin mass-producing its Ascend 910C AI chip in early 2025, despite ongoing struggles to achieve sufficient production yields due to US trade restrictions. The Chinese telecom giant has already sent samples to tech firms and started taking orders for the chip, designed to rival Nvidia’s high-performance processors. The company faces significant challenges, as restrictions on advanced manufacturing technologies have limited its chip-making efficiency.
The Ascend 910C is produced by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) using an N+2 process but suffers from a yield of just 20%—far below the 70% required for commercial viability. Previous Huawei processors, including the 910B, achieved yields of around 50%, leading to delays in fulfilling orders from major clients like ByteDance. Washington’s restrictions, which prevent access to critical Dutch lithography equipment, have further constrained China’s ability to produce advanced semiconductors.
Huawei’s reliance on SMIC has been costly, with chips produced on its advanced nodes priced up to 50% higher than alternatives. While the company has sought supplemental production from Taiwan’s TSMC, US authorities have tightened export controls, limiting access to cutting-edge chips and forcing Huawei to prioritise strategic government and corporate orders. The escalating trade tensions underscore the geopolitical struggle between the US and China over technological dominance, with both nations doubling down on policies to secure their interests.
As Beijing pushes for self-reliance in semiconductors, Huawei’s production challenges reflect the broader impact of US restrictions on China’s tech sector. With further curbs on the horizon, Huawei’s success in advancing its AI chips may shape the next phase of the US -China tech rivalry.
Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House is viewed as a positive development for India‘s IT services sector, according to Wipro Executive Chairman Rishad Premji. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Premji noted that Trump’s ‘pro-business and pro-growth’ policies, including lower taxes and fewer regulations, could encourage greater spending by corporate clients. This comes after challenging quarters for Indian IT firms, with clients cutting back on discretionary projects due to global economic uncertainty.
Premji also highlighted the need for caution regarding inflation, tariffs, and potential changes in United States immigration policies, particularly H-1B visas, which are crucial for Indian IT workers. The US account for a significant portion of the sector’s revenue. Stricter outsourcing rules could pose challenges, but analysts remain optimistic about overall growth.
JPMorgan analysts echoed this sentiment, stating that extended US corporate tax benefits could boost technology spending, further benefiting Indian IT companies. The sector will monitor Trump’s policies closely for long-term impact.
Santander has introduced its digital bank, Openbank, in Mexico, marking a significant move into the country’s fast-growing fintech market. The launch includes a website and mobile app, offering a fully digital banking experience. Customers on the pre-registered waiting list are the first to gain access.
Openbank, already operational in Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands, is Europe’s largest digital bank by deposits. The Mexican rollout capitalises on a growing demand for digital financial services, particularly among the unbanked population and dissatisfied traditional banking clients.
The service includes a savings account offering a competitive 12.5% annual return, aligning with local fintech trends led by rivals like Nubank. Openbank’s head, Petri Nikkila, emphasised the potential for digital banking in Mexico, aiming to attract customers seeking competitive financial products.
Kenya and Malaysia partnered to accelerate digital transformation in Kenya and across Africa, thereby highlighting a shared commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and development. The collaboration aims to enhance Kenya’s digital infrastructure, foster bilateral trade, and unlock new digital export opportunities.
By combining Kenya’s rapidly growing tech industry with Malaysia’s advanced expertise, the partnership allows Kenyan enterprises to access cutting-edge technological knowledge while enabling Malaysian firms to tap into Africa’s expanding markets. Moreover, the Malaysia-Kenya Tech symposium in Nairobi, organised by the Kenyan government, Malaysia’s High Commission, and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, serves as a platform to showcase these efforts.
Thus, the partnership emphasises mutual efforts to strengthen economic ties, create innovative digital ecosystems, and position Kenya as a regional technology hub. In addition, the partnership builds on earlier engagements, emphasising its importance in fostering innovation, boosting digital integration, and driving economic growth. By visiting key sites like Konza Technopolis, the Malaysian delegation has explored opportunities to position Kenya as a digital leader in Africa while strengthening ties between the two regions.
Ghana Communication Technology University and Microsoft Skills have partnered to introduce the Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme in Ghana, aimed at enhancing digital skills in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, AI, and coding. That collaboration, funded by the European Union, will provide training, certification, and job placement opportunities, helping students and professionals gain the essential skills needed in today’s digital economy.
To make the programme more accessible, local banks will offer micro-loans, allowing participants to pay fees in manageable instalments. The initiative is expected to certify 286,000 students globally by 2026, with 60,000 certifications coming from Ghana, creating significant opportunities for local students in the global job market.
Ghana Communication Technology University and Microsoft Skills have also partnered to foster international collaboration through student exchange programs. The partnership will also connect Ghanaian graduates to job opportunities with 32,000 IT companies across Europe, further expanding their career prospects and establishing GCTU as a leader in IT education in Ghana.
Vietnam and Burundi have partnered to strengthen their telecommunications and technology development collaboration. The agreement, signed on 19 November, was attended by key officials from both countries.
Notably, Vietnam’s telecom provider, Lumitel, has significantly contributed to Burundi’s market, paying over $500 million in taxes and securing a dominant market share. Given the shared challenges of war, sanctions, and poverty faced by both nations, it was emphasised that digital technology could address issues such as rural-urban wealth gaps and limited public services.
In light of this, Vietnam encouraged further investment in Burundi, particularly beyond telecommunications, and proposed increased exchanges in ICT, digital economy, and workforce training to accelerate Burundi’s digital transformation. Furthermore, scholarships and short-term online training programs were announced to support the development of Burundi’s digital workforce.
In response, Burundi’s government expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s expertise, particularly in telecommunications, and praised Lumitel for its significant role in improving the local market. Burundi also invited Lumitel to expand its operations, with assurances of government support to ensure favourable business conditions.
Moreover, platforms such as Vietnam International Digital Week were acknowledged, as they foster global digital partnerships and facilitate the exchange of technological experiences. Finally, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lumitel’s growth and emphasised that Vietnamese enterprises must comply with local laws and tax obligations while operating abroad.
OpenAI, in partnership with Common Sense Media, has introduced a free training course aimed at helping teachers understand AI and prompt engineering. The course is designed to equip educators with the skills to use ChatGPT effectively in classrooms, including creating lesson content and streamlining administrative tasks.
The launch comes as OpenAI increases its efforts to promote the positive educational uses of ChatGPT, which became widely popular after its release in November 2022. While the tool’s potential for aiding students has been recognised, its use also sparked concerns about cheating and plagiarism.
Leah Belsky, formerly of Coursera and now leading OpenAI’s education efforts, emphasised the importance of teaching both students and teachers to use AI responsibly. Belsky noted that student adoption of ChatGPT is high, with many parents viewing AI literacy as crucial for future careers. The training is available on Common Sense Media’s website, marking the first of many initiatives in this partnership.
Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media and Technology Group, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Bakkt, a crypto trading platform backed by the Intercontinental Exchange. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the deal would be an all-stock acquisition.
News of the talks caused Bakkt’s shares to skyrocket by nearly 66% before trading was temporarily halted due to volatility. Neither Trump Media nor Bakkt has commented on the matter, while the Intercontinental Exchange declined to respond.
If finalised, the deal would deepen Trump’s ties to the cryptocurrency industry, which he has actively supported long before the US presidential election. In a related move, Trump recently launched a new crypto initiative called World Liberty Financial.
Keppel DC REIT will acquire full ownership of two data centres in Singapore, KDC SGP 7 and KDC SGP 8, as part of a $1.03 billion divestment deal. The acquisition involves Keppel’s Connectivity Division transferring its 51% stake in a joint venture with Cuscaden Peak Investments to Keppel DC REIT. Keppel will retain operational and management roles for the facilities.
The transaction aims to bolster Keppel DC REIT’s income stability while unlocking potential growth opportunities, including rental increases and expanded capacity. CEO Loh Hwee Long highlighted the deal’s immediate benefits, describing it as accretive to distribution per unit and supportive of long-term portfolio strength.
To fund the acquisition, Keppel DC REIT announced plans for an equity fundraising effort targeting approximately S$1 billion. New units will be priced between S$2.074 and S$2.128, providing additional financial stability for the purchase.
Keppel’s share of the divestment price is estimated at S$280 million. The move further strengthens the company’s commitment to the data centre industry while maintaining a key management role within its facilities.
