Asia

AI set to widen Asia growth gap as readiness divides deepen – ADB

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly reshape economies and labor markets across Asia and the Pacific, but widening disparities in readiness mean advanced economies are likely to capture most early gains, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday.

AI boom to demand $1.6 trillion by 2030 with power shortages a critical bottleneck – Knight Frank

The global build-out of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure will require up to $1.6 trillion over the next five years, with access to power, not capital, now the primary constraint on growth, according to Knight Frank.

Agentic commerce spending can reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, study finds

A new study by the UK-based Juniper Research projects that spending on agentic commerce will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, rising from early pilot deployments expected in 2025 and 2026.

Intel expands India executive Santhosh Viswanathan to lead India, Asia Pacific and Japan

Intel has expanded the role of Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President and Managing Director for Intel India, appointing him as Vice President and Managing Director for India, Asia Pacific, and Japan (APJ), the tech giant announced on Tuesday.

Taiwan, mainland China, Vietnam offer most affordable data center construction costs in Asia-Pacific

Taiwan, mainland China, and Vietnam offer the most competitive costs for data center construction in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Data Center Construction Cost Guide 2026 conducted by commercial real estate and property management services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

APAC’s crisis response positions renewables at the core of energy security – BMI

The Strait of Hormuz disruption has prompted Asia-Pacific power systems to prioritize energy security, boosting coal and nuclear generation in the short term while accelerating structural investment in renewables and storage, BMI Country Risk and Industry Research said last Thursday.

BEYOND Expo introduces a bold new brand identity for the AI era

BEYOND Expo has officially introduced its new Visual Identity (VI) system, marking a significant step in its evolution as a global innovation hub. The upgrade also aligns with its 2026 theme, “AI: Digital to Physical,” reflecting the growing convergence between digital technologies and real-world applications.

Singapore’s GIC invests in Japanese lifestyle retail company SAZABY LEAGUE

GIC, the Singapore-based institutional investor, has become Japanese lifestyle retail company SAZABY LEAGUE, Ltd's minority equity partner.

AI-powered insurance broker Rosella raises $2.6M in funding led by Peak XV Partners, Intact Private Capital

Rosella, an AI-native commercial insurance brokerage, has raised A$3.7 million ($2.56 million) in pre-seed funding led by Southeast Asia-focused Peak XV Partners and Intact Private Capital.

Indonesia, South Korea launch cross-border QR payments to boost trade and tourism

Bank Indonesia and the Bank of Korea have officially launched a cross-border QR-based payment system, enabling Indonesian citizens to make transactions in South Korea using QRIS through domestic apps without the need for currency conversion.