Singaporean asset manager Keppel and Vietnam’s Sovico Group are in discussions to develop undersea fibre-optic cables aimed at boosting Southeast Asia’s data centre industry. The potential $150 million project would directly link Vietnam with Singapore, a critical regional hub for data infrastructure. However, talks remain fluid, with Keppel reportedly favouring a larger consortium-led project extending from Singapore to Japan, while Sovico supports a direct connection.
The discussions highlight Southeast Asia’s growing demand for AI services and internet capacity, with Vietnam planning 10 new submarine cables by 2030. These cables are also a focal point in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, with the United States lobbying against the involvement of Chinese contractors, citing security concerns. US officials have reportedly briefed Sovico and other stakeholders on the risks of working with China’s HMN Technologies.
Vietnam, with a rapidly growing digital economy and a population nearing 100 million, currently relies on five undersea cable branches for global connectivity. Expanding its cable infrastructure is seen as key to establishing itself as a regional data hub, despite challenges like power shortages and stringent data regulations. Keppel and Sovico’s efforts, along with other planned projects, signal significant investment in the region’s digital future.
Russia has the potential to improve its global AI standing by 2030, bolstered by local talent and the development of its own generative AI models, according to Alexander Vedyakhin, the first deputy CEO of Sberbank. Speaking at the bank’s AI Journey conference, Vedyakhin highlighted the resilience of Russian developers in navigating Western sanctions, which aimed to limit the country’s computing resources. He emphasised the importance of fostering experimentation to maintain progress in AI.
Although Russia currently trails the US and China in AI innovation by six to nine months, Vedyakhin is optimistic about closing the gap. Instead of building massive data centres, Russia is focusing on smart AI models tailored to its market, similar to Meta’s Llama. These efforts, he said, will ensure technological sovereignty, especially as generative AI gains global importance. For example, Russian language models address local cultural contexts better than English-trained systems, avoiding misunderstandings like misinterpreting cultural dishes.
President Vladimir Putin also underscored the strategic significance of AI, announcing plans to collaborate with BRICS countries to challenge US dominance. Vedyakhin added that while Europe and China face setbacks due to overregulation, Russia’s supportive regulatory environment could be a competitive advantage. Encouraging investment in AI startups and allowing for innovation without severe penalties for mistakes are key to advancing the sector.
Despite a broader decline in venture capital investment in Russia, funding for AI startups continues to grow, hinting at a more diversified market. Vedyakhin also suggested that decentralised autonomous organizations (DAOs), powered by blockchain, could address labour shortages, paving the way for Russia to strengthen its AI ecosystem in the years ahead.
Apple is teaming up with Broadcom to develop its first server chip dedicated to artificial intelligence processing. Expected to enter mass production by 2026, the chip, code-named Baltra, represents Apple’s latest venture into custom hardware aimed at reducing reliance on Nvidia’s high-cost and supply-constrained processors.
The chip will use Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s N3P process, highlighting Apple’s commitment to furthering manufacturing technology. Broadcom, already benefiting from AI-driven growth, saw its shares climb 5% following the announcement.
This partnership builds on Apple’s recent successes in chip growth, including its M-series processors for Mac devices. It also echoes a broader trend among tech giants like Google, which have pursued custom AI chips to enhance their services. With the global market for custom chips projected to reach $45 billion by 2028, Apple’s move furthers its role as a leader in the AI tech industry.
Swiss robotics firm Anybotics has raised an additional $60 million, closing its Series B round at $110 million. Known for its Anymal quadruped robot, the company focuses on automating routine inspections in complex industrial environments such as oil and gas, mining, and utilities. Equipped with sensors and cameras, Anymal enhances safety and productivity by detecting issues like thermal anomalies and gas leaks, minimising human exposure to hasardous areas.
Since first announcing the Series B round 18 months ago, the Swiss Zürich-based startup has doubled its robot deployments, with nearly 200 units now operational across various industries. Clients include major companies such as Novelis and Iamgold, as well as Stanford University, which uses the technology for advanced research.
The new funding will support Anybotics’ expansion into the US following the opening of its San Francisco office. Co-led by Qualcomm Ventures and Supernova Invest, the investment ensures the company can scale its operations globally, with plans for a broader product portfolio and industry applications in the future.
Russia has unveiled plans to create an AI alliance with BRICS countries Brazil, China, India, and South Africa along with other interested nations. President Vladimir Putin made the announcement at a major AI conference in Moscow, highlighting the initiative as a key step to challenge the dominance of the United States in the rapidly advancing field of AI.
The AI Alliance Network will promote joint research, technology development, and regulation among member nations. Despite Western sanctions that have hampered Russia’s access to essential AI hardware like microchips, domestic leaders like Sberbank and Yandex are driving innovation with generative AI models such as GigaChat and YandexGPT.
Russia also has ambitious plans to integrate AI across its economy, targeting a contribution of 11.2 trillion roubles to GDP by 2030 and training 80% of its workforce in AI skills. While the country currently lags behind global leaders like the US and China in AI development, this alliance could mark a turning point in its technological aspirations.
Apple Pay has faced its first real competition on iPhones, thanks to Norway’s mobile payment app, Vipps. Leveraging new EU regulations, Vipps now allows iPhone users to make tap-to-pay transactions, shop online, and even set it as their default payment app. This is a significant milestone as Apple, under pressure from EU regulators, has opened its NFC chip to third-party developers with the release of iOS 18.1.
For a decade, Apple Pay was the exclusive method for tap-to-pay functionality on iPhones. That changed after EU rulings deemed Apple’s practices anti-competitive, prompting the company to commit to a more open ecosystem. In addition to enabling NFC access, Apple has also introduced RCS messaging support and expanded app deletion options in response to regulatory pressure.
Vipps’ debut as Apple Pay’s first competitor signals a shift toward a more diverse iPhone experience. While this development could usher in innovative payment solutions, it also raises concerns about potential fragmentation in mobile payment systems. For now, Norway is leading the charge in this new era of digital payments.
Apple plans to launch its own cellular modem chips next year, starting with the iPhone SE, replacing components from Qualcomm. This marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on the chipmaker, whose modems have powered iPhones for years. Apple aims to phase out Qualcomm’s technology entirely by 2027.
The move follows Apple’s $1 billion acquisition of Intel‘s modem unit in 2019 and its integration of modem design into its chip development team. Additionally, Apple has signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Broadcom for 5G components.
Qualcomm has acknowledged Apple’s transition but is leveraging advancements in laptops and AI-powered data centres to offset expected revenue declines. Investors and suppliers like Skyworks Solutions and Qorvo are closely monitoring the impact of Apple’s strategy on their business.
Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries have joined forces to optimise defence data for AI training. Palantir’s platform will organise and label sensitive defence data for model training, while Anduril’s systems will manage the retention and distribution of this information for national security applications.
The collaboration highlights challenges in deploying AI for defence, where sensitive data complicates model training. Anduril recently partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced AI into security missions, underscoring its commitment to autonomous defence solutions.
Palantir, a key player in the AI boom, continues to see robust demand from governments and businesses seeking advanced software solutions.
Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are calling for an investigation into potential antitrust violations by FanDuel and DraftKings. In a joint letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the US Department of Justice, the lawmakers accused the two sports betting giants of collaborating to suppress competition in the online sports betting market. The issue centres around their 2016 merger attempt, which was blocked by the FTC due to concerns about market dominance.
Since the merger was scrapped, Lee and Welch argue that FanDuel and DraftKings have used their dominance in fantasy sports to stifle smaller competitors in the online betting space. They claim that the companies, through the Sports Betting Alliance trade group, have intimidated rivals, blocked access to technology, and undermined marketing opportunities, which could harm innovation and prevent new players from entering the market.
FanDuel and DraftKings have not publicly commented on the allegations, and the Justice Department has acknowledged receipt of the letter but has not provided further details. The news has caused a drop in DraftKings’ stock, with Sen. Lee highlighting the potential societal impacts of the companies’ actions.
OpenAI is exploring the removal of a clause that restricts Microsoft’s access to its most advanced AI technology Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) once it is achieved. AGI, defined as a system that surpasses human capability in economically valuable tasks, has been excluded from Microsoft’s agreements under existing terms. The Financial Times reports that OpenAI aims to unlock further investments by lifting this restriction.
The clause, designed to safeguard AGI from misuse, currently gives OpenAI’s non-profit board control over such breakthroughs. Discussions within the board are ongoing, and no decision has been finalised. If the change proceeds, Microsoft could retain full access to future OpenAI advancements, even post-AGI, aligning with their significant backing of OpenAI.
This potential shift follows OpenAI’s restructuring efforts, including becoming a for-profit benefit corporation. In October, the company closed a $6.6B funding round, valuing it at $157B, as it continues redefining the AI market.
