Sustainable development

Thailand to advance policies to boost space industry and satellite services

Thailand’s Digital Economy Ministry is advancing several key policies to boost the country’s space industry and satellite services. The draft Landing Rights policy, approved by the National Space Policy Committee and pending Cabinet approval, will allow foreign satellite operators to provide services within Thailand while ensuring fair competition with domestic providers.

Alongside this, the committee approved the updated National Space Master Plan, reflecting recommendations from national development councils. These policies form part of the broader National Satellite Policy Framework, which addresses policy, legal and regulatory development, international collaboration, and space infrastructure to support the growing space sector.

The government is focused on using space technology and satellite data to improve areas like disaster management, agriculture, and resource governance. Thailand is also enhancing international cooperation by planning to sign the Artemis Accords, working with China on lunar research, and developing space traffic management policies to strengthen its global role.

To support these goals, Thailand is investing in digital infrastructure to expand space activities, ensure inclusive access, reduce inequality, and boost economic and social security.

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Broadcom challenges Nvidia with Tomahawk Ultra AI networking chip

Broadcom has introduced a new networking chip designed to boost AI data centre performance, positioning itself against Nvidia in the AI hardware race.

Called Tomahawk Ultra, the chip helps link hundreds of processors within close range, ensuring fast communication vital for large AI models.

Instead of using Nvidia’s proprietary NVLink system, Broadcom’s Tomahawk Ultra operates on an accelerated version of Ethernet and connects up to four times more chips within a server rack.

The chip acts as a traffic controller, enabling what the industry refers to as ‘scale-up’ computing — where AI models tap into combined computing power from tightly grouped chips.

According to Broadcom senior vice president Ram Velaga, it took engineers around three years to design the Tomahawk Ultra, which was originally aimed at high-performance computing but adapted for AI workloads as demand surged.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is producing the processors using its five-nanometre process, and the chips are already shipping to customers.

Rather than requiring major hardware overhauls, the Tomahawk Ultra offers a scalable, Ethernet-based alternative for AI firms looking to build faster, more flexible data centres.

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Tech giants work to avert an AI‑driven energy crisis

The AI boom is triggering alarms in the energy sector, with data centres expected to consume 3% of the world’s electricity by 2030, double today’s share. This projection has spurred tech firms to pursue aggressive efficiency strategies.

Control systems powered by AI regulate cooling more precisely, while liquid cooling systems replace inefficient air-based approaches. Cutting-edge chips and more innovative software have already yielded energy savings of 20–30% per workflow.

Infrastructure improvements mean data-centre support systems now consume just 10% of the energy that powering the servers does. Despite these advances, the total energy demand continues to rise, prompting investments in technology upgrades and low-carbon power sources.

A global race is underway as US and Chinese companies push for increasingly efficient AI chips. Still, experts warn that overall consumption will grow, so efficiency alone won’t be enough. Broad energy planning and sustainable strategies are critical to avoid a looming power crunch as AI proliferates.

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South Korean firm unveils faster AI data centre architecture with CXL-over-Xlink

South Korean company Panmnesia has introduced a new architecture for AI data centres aimed at improving speed and efficiency.

Instead of using only PCIe or RDMA-based systems, its CXL-over-Xlink approach combines Compute Express Link (CXL) with fast accelerator links such as UALink and NVLink.

The company claims this design can deliver up to 5.3 times faster AI training and reduce inference latency sixfold. By allowing CPUs and GPUs to access large shared memory pools via the CXL fabric, AI workloads are no longer restricted by the fixed memory limits inside each GPU.

It will enable data centres to scale compute and memory independently, adapting to changing workload demands without hardware overprovisioning.

Panmnesia’s system also reduces communication overhead using accelerator-optimised links for CXL traffic, helping maintain high throughput with sub-100ns latency.

The architecture incorporates a hierarchical memory model blending local high-bandwidth memory with pooled CXL memory, alongside scalable CXL 3.1 switches that connect hundreds of devices efficiently without bottlenecks.

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Europe’s quantum ambitions meet US private power and China’s state drive

Quantum computing could fundamentally reshape technology, using quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits. Qubits allow complex calculations beyond classical computing, transforming sectors from pharmaceuticals to defence.

Europe is investing billions in quantum technology, emphasising technological sovereignty. Yet, it competes fiercely with the United States, which enjoys substantial private investment, and China, powered by significant state-backed funding.

The UK began quantum initiatives early, launching the National Quantum Programme 2014. It recently pledged £2.5 billion more, supporting start-ups like Orca Computing and Universal Quantum, alongside nations like Canada, Israel, and Japan.

Europe accounted for eight of the nineteen quantum start-ups established globally in 2024, including IQM Quantum Computers and Pasqal. Despite Europe’s scientific strengths, it only captured 5% of global quantum investments, versus 50% for the US.

The European Commission aims to strengthen quantum capabilities by funding six chip factories and a continent-wide Quantum Skills Academy. However, attracting sufficient private investment remains a significant challenge.

The US quantum industry thrives, driven by giants such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave Quantum. Recent breakthroughs include Microsoft’s topological qubit and Google’s Willow quantum chip.

D-Wave Quantum has demonstrated real-world quantum advantages, solving complex optimisation problems in minutes. Its technology is now used commercially in logistics, traffic management, and supply chains.

China, meanwhile, leads in state-driven quantum funding, investing $15 billion directly and managing a $138 billion tech venture fund. By contrast, US federal investment totals about $6 billion, underscoring China’s aggressive approach.

Global investment in quantum start-ups reached $1.25 billion in Q1 2025 alone, reflecting a shift towards practical applications. By 2040, the quantum market is projected to reach $173 billion, influencing global economics and geopolitics.

Quantum computing raises geopolitical concerns, prompting democratic nations to coordinate through bodies like the OECD and G7. Interoperability, trust, and secure infrastructure have become essential strategic considerations.

Europe’s quantum ambitions require sustained investment, standard-setting leadership, and robust supply chains. Its long-term technological independence hinges on moving swiftly beyond initial funding towards genuine strategic autonomy.

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AI Appreciation Day highlights progress and growing concerns

AI is marking another milestone as experts worldwide reflect on its rapid rise during AI Appreciation Day. From reshaping business workflows to transforming customer experiences, AI’s presence is expanding — but so are concerns over its long-term implications.

Industry leaders point to AI’s growing role across sectors. Patrick Harrington from MetaRouter highlights how control over first-party data is now seen as key instead of just processing large datasets.

Vall Herard of Saifr adds that successful AI implementations depend on combining curated data with human oversight rather than relying purely on machine-driven systems.

Meanwhile, Paula Felstead from HBX Group believes AI could significantly enhance travel experiences, though scaling it across entire organisations remains a challenge.

Voice AI is changing industries that depend on customer interaction, according to Natalie Rutgers from Deepgram. Instead of complex interfaces, voice technology is improving communication in restaurants, hospitals, and banks.

At the same time, experts like Ivan Novikov from Wallarm stress the importance of securing AI systems and the APIs connecting them, as these form the backbone of modern AI services.

While some celebrate AI’s advances, others raise caution. SentinelOne’s Ezzeldin Hussein envisions AI becoming a trusted partner through responsible development rather than unchecked growth.

Naomi Buckwalter from Contrast Security warns that AI-generated code could open security gaps instead of fully replacing human engineering, while Geoff Burke from Object First notes that AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming inevitable for businesses unable to keep pace with evolving threats.

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Meta unveils 5GW AI data centre plans

Meta has unveiled plans to build a 5GW data centre in Louisiana, part of a significant expansion of its AI infrastructure. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the Hyperion complex will cover an area nearly the size of Manhattan, with the first 1.5GW phase expected online in 2026.

The company is also constructing a 1GW cluster named Prometheus in US, Ohio, which combines Meta-owned infrastructure with leased systems. Both projects will use a mix of renewable and natural gas power, underlining Meta’s strategy to ramp up compute capacity rapidly.

Zuckerberg stated Meta would invest hundreds of billions of dollars into superintelligence development, supported by elite talent recruited from major rivals. He added that the new data centres would offer the highest compute-per-researcher in the industry.

Amidst growing demand, Meta recently sought $29 billion in financing and secured 1GW of renewable power. Yet the expansion has raised environmental concerns, with one data centre in Georgia reportedly consuming 10% of a county’s water supply.

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OpenAI economist shares four key skills for kids in AI era

As AI reshapes jobs and daily life, OpenAI’s chief economist, Ronnie Chatterji, teaches his children four core skills to help them adapt and thrive.

Instead of relying solely on technology, he believes critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and financial numeracy will remain essential.

Chatterji highlighted these skills during an episode of the OpenAI podcast, saying critical thinking helps children spot problems rather than follow instructions. Given constant changes in AI, climate, and geopolitics, he stressed adaptability as another priority.

Rather than expecting children to master coding alone, Chatterji argues that emotional intelligence will make humans valuable partners alongside AI.

The fourth skill he emphasises is financial numeracy, including understanding maths without calculators and maintaining writing skills even with dictation software available. Instead of predicting specific future job titles, Chatterji believes focusing on these abilities equips children for any outcome.

His approach reflects a broader trend among tech leaders, with others like Alexis Ohanian and Sam Altman also promoting AI literacy while valuing traditional skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

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Trump unveils AI economy with $100 billion investment push

Donald Trump revealed during the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit that the US will receive over $100 billion in investments to drive its AI economy and energy infrastructure.

The funding is set to create tens of thousands of jobs across the energy and AI sectors, with Pennsylvania positioned as a central hub.

Trump stated the US is already ‘way ahead of China’ in AI development, adding that staying in the lead will require expanding power production.

Instead of relying solely on renewables, Trump highlighted ‘clean, beautiful coal, oil, and nuclear energy as key pillars supporting AI-related growth.

Westinghouse plans to build several nuclear plants nationwide, while Knighthead Capital will invest $15 billion in North America’s largest natural gas power plant in Homer City, Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Google will revitalise two hydropower facilities within the state, contributing to the broader investment wave. Trump mentioned that 20 major technology and energy firms are preparing further commitments in Pennsylvania, reinforcing its role in what he calls the US ‘AI economy’.

The event, hosted by Senator Dave McCormick at Carnegie Mellon University, also featured discussions with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

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Trump launches $70 billion AI and energy investment plan

President Donald Trump has announced a $70 billion initiative to strengthen America’s energy and data infrastructure to meet growing AI-driven demand. The plan was revealed at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit, with over 60 primary energy and tech CEOs in attendance.

The investment will prioritise US states such as Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia, where energy grids are increasingly under pressure due to rising data centre usage. Part of the funding will come from federal-private partnerships, alongside potential reforms led by the Department of Energy.

Analysts suggest the plan redirect federal support away from wind and solar energy in favour of nuclear and fossil fuel development. The proposal may also scale back green tax credits introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act, potentially affecting more than 300 gigawatts of renewable capacity.

The package includes a project to transform a disused steel mill in Aliquippa into a large-scale data centre hub, forming part of a broader strategy to establish new AI-energy corridors. Critics argue the plan could prioritise legacy systems over decarbonisation, even as AI pushes infrastructure to its limits.

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