Terence Gan, Executive Director of Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME), delivered a confident address at the 2025 Advanced Packaging Developers Conference (APDC), unveiling Singapore’s ambition to become a global center for advanced semiconductor packaging research and commercialization as artificial intelligence reshapes the industry.

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a growth strategy prioritizing “crisis management investment” in AI, semiconductors, and quantum technology to address economic and security risks. Key officials have been appointed to lead these efforts.

Microsoft kicked off its 2026 fiscal year with another blockbuster quarter. First quarter fiscal 2026 revenue reached US$77.7 billion, up 18% year-over-year, while operating income surged 24% and earnings per share climbed 23% to US$4.13. The company’s AI-driven momentum continued to build, with Microsoft Cloud revenue up 26% to US$49.1 billion, reflecting both unprecedented demand and a deepening integration of generative AI across its ecosystem.