The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in South Korea has selected six pilot projects under the K-City Network Global Cooperation Program to deploy AI-based smart city models across Southeast Asia.
The initiative reflects efforts to extend tested domestic systems into international urban contexts.
Projects will be implemented in Brunei, Bacoor, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Surin and Penang, focusing on areas such as traffic optimisation, water management and disaster response. These pilots aim to assess the adaptability and performance of AI-enabled infrastructure in diverse environments.
The programme operates as a government-to-government cooperation mechanism, combining technical deployment with policy coordination. Selected projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility and potential for broader regional application.
By testing AI-driven urban systems in partner countries, the initiative by South Korea seeks to support digital transformation while contributing to more efficient, resilient and data-driven public services.
It also reflects wider trends in cross-border collaboration on smart city governance and infrastructure development.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has highlighted the growing role of AI and digital technologies in diplomacy, according to an official publication. The discussion reflects wider efforts to modernise diplomatic practices.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasised that digital tools are increasingly shaping communication, policy coordination and international engagement. AI is seen as part of this evolving diplomatic environment.
The publication underlines the importance of adapting institutional frameworks and skills to keep pace with technological changes such as AI developments. This includes strengthening digital capabilities within diplomatic services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents these developments as part of broader efforts to integrate digital innovation into foreign policy in Azerbaijan.
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The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, met the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong to discuss cooperation in innovation and technology.
During the meeting, officials from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on innovation and technology development. The agreement covers areas including AI, cross-border data flow and blockchain.
The MOU aims to support the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre. It also focuses on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and promoting the digital economy through technological development.
Officials said the agreement aligns with China’s national development plans and supports Hong Kong’s integration into broader economic strategies. It also highlights plans to enhance international exchanges and technology-driven economic growth.
The Chief Executive said Hong Kong will continue to expand its role as a technology and investment hub under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. The CAC said the partnership will support long-term innovation and development goals.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced the launch of a hybrid AI weather forecasting model aimed at improving predictions of severe weather. The system combines AI with traditional physics-based forecasting methods.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the model uses AI to analyse large datasets while relying on established models to account for local weather factors such as temperature, wind and precipitation. This combination is expected to improve forecast accuracy.
The department states the system will enhance performance across all forecast timeframes and provide earlier warnings of major weather events. In some cases, forecasts could identify large systems more than 24 hours earlier than current capabilities.
Environment and Climate Change Canada said the model has been extensively tested alongside existing systems and will support better preparedness and public safety as extreme weather events increase in Canada.
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The US Department of Education has introduced a new supplemental priority focused on advancing AI in education, published in the Federal Register. The measure is intended for use in discretionary grant programmes.
According to the US Department of Education, the priority and related definitions may be applied across current and future funding competitions. The Secretary can adopt all or part of the priority depending on programme needs.
The initiative builds on earlier supplemental priorities covering areas such as literacy, educational choice, meaningful learning and workforce readiness. It forms part of a broader framework guiding federal education funding in the US.
Why does it matter?
The new priority will take effect in May 2026, expanding the role of AI in US education policy and grant allocation. This is a global shift in which AI is playing a more prominent role in education.
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The Belgian Data Protection Authority has outlined the impact of AI on privacy in a new publication, highlighting growing concerns around data use and protection. The analysis forms part of its ongoing work on emerging technologies.
According to the Belgian Data Protection Authority, AI systems rely on large volumes of data, which can increase risks related to the processing of personal data and compliance with existing regulations. This raises questions about transparency and accountability.
The authority notes that AI can make it more difficult for individuals to understand how their data is used, particularly in complex or automated decision-making systems. This may challenge established data protection principles.
The Authority emphasises the need to adapt regulatory approaches and safeguards to ensure privacy rights remain protected as AI adoption expands in Belgium.
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Reporting by The Korea Herald states that South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has warned of the risks of AI-generated fake news ahead of an upcoming election. Authorities are urging greater vigilance as digital content becomes harder to verify.
According to the report, AI technologies are increasingly capable of producing realistic false information, including manipulated images and videos. This raises concerns about their potential impact on public opinion and trust.
The government has called for precautionary measures to limit the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of democratic processes. This includes encouraging awareness and responsible use of AI tools.
The warning reflects broader concerns about the influence of AI driven disinformation during election cycles in South Korea.
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UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a joint initiative to support governments in developing rights-based data governance frameworks for AI. The programme reflects growing global efforts to align digital transformation with public interest objectives.
The Data governance for inclusive digital and AI futures initiative provides policymakers with practical tools to design transparent and accountable data systems, with a focus on safeguarding rights and enabling inclusive AI deployment.
It responds to increasing demand for structured governance approaches as countries expand the use of data-driven technologies.
Participants from multiple regions applied governance frameworks to areas including healthcare, digital identity, and social protection. These projects demonstrate how data governance can improve public service delivery while strengthening accountability and citizen trust.
Hosted at ITU Academy and supported by the EU Global Gateway initiative, the programme also promotes cross-country collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing international coordination in data governance.
An initiative by UNESCO that highlights the importance of building institutional capacity to ensure that AI systems operate within clear legal and ethical frameworks.
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AI is becoming a central part of education in Vietnam, changing how schools are managed, how students learn, and how research is carried out. Officials say the shift is part of the country’s wider digital transformation in education.
Nguyễn Sơn Hải of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training said earlier reforms focused on digitising activities, while AI is now reshaping teaching and administration more broadly. The ministry is also preparing legal and policy frameworks to support safe and controlled AI use in education.
Authorities have identified priorities, including AI skills for learners, shared digital platforms, and stronger infrastructure. An AI education programme for junior secondary pupils is being piloted and is expected to begin officially in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Universities are also adapting their strategies as AI changes higher education. Hanoi University of Science and Technology said it is redesigning training, assessment, and digital systems to reflect these changes.
At the same time, institutions, including Thai Nguyen University, are linking research more closely with business and local development needs. Officials say wider access to internet services and devices remains essential to ensure equal access to digital education.
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The European Commission has reported significant progress under its AI Continent Action Plan, marking one year of implementation aimed at strengthening Europe’s position in AI. The strategy focuses on infrastructure, data, talent, adoption and trustworthy AI.
Investment in computational capacity has expanded, with AI factories deployed across European supercomputers and further large-scale facilities in development. These initiatives aim to increase access to advanced computing resources for researchers and emerging companies.
On data governance, the Commission introduced the Data Union Strategy and complementary regulatory measures to improve data sharing and provide legal certainty for businesses.
Efforts to support talent development and mobility, alongside new training initiatives in the EU, form another central component of the plan.
The programme also promotes AI adoption across public and industrial sectors through targeted funding and coordinated initiatives. The overall approach reflects a policy framework designed to balance innovation with regulatory oversight and alignment with European values.
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