The global AI wave is driving rapid expansion of data centers worldwide, with server computing density and power consumption rising in tandem. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center electricity demand could double by 2030, while load growth from AI training and inference may far exceed current expectations.

Graphcore, a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank, announced plans to establish a new AI Engineering Campus in Bengaluru, India, with an investment of up to GBP1 billion (approx. US$1.26 billion) over the next decade. The project is expected to create 500 new semiconductor engineering jobs, marking one of SoftBank’s largest AI-related commitments in India to date.

In a milestone for Taiwan’s growing space ambitions, Japanese space startup ispace announced it has been selected by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) to transport scientific instruments to the lunar surface aboard its 2028 mission.

As South Korea prepares to host APEC 2025 Korea in Gyeongju on October 31, attention is focused on a potential high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, rising tensions over China’s expanded REE export controls and special port fees imposed on US-flagged vessels have intensified the trade conflict ahead of the summit. If unresolved through negotiation, these escalating trade barriers risk inflicting severe economic damage that could leave both the US and China worse off, while also harming Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea as collateral victims.