At the James Dyson Awards 2024, eco-friendly weather balloons were the event’s highlight.
| NS Weekly is a roundup of the latest Asian tech news. ‘NS’ is an acronym for NODESHORE, representing the N and S poles of a magnet. We gather news from across the globe and present it in an easy-to-read format. This series is published every Monday at 5 p.m. |
Japan to Invest $65 Billion in Chips and AI by 2030
ㆍJapan has announced a major initiative to boost its semiconductor and AI industries, with plans to invest $65 billion through fiscal 2030. The program, unveiled by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on November 11, aims to attract over $323 billion in public and private investment over the next decade.
ㆍUnder this framework, the Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is set to receive significant government support to enhance its global competitiveness. Ishiba emphasized the importance of these measures during an evening press conference, positioning Japan as a key player in the future of technology.
LG Electronics and Tenstorrent Strengthen AI Collaboration
ㆍLG Electronics has partnered with Tenstorrent to develop next-generation AI products and services, focusing on semiconductors and human resource development. The collaboration aims to provide customised solutions and implement empathetic intelligence, leveraging Tenstorrent’s advanced AI technologies like RISC-V CPUs and Tensix NPUs. This partnership emphasizes innovation in AI-driven applications such as smart homes, mobility, and AI home appliances.
ㆍThe companies will work together to enhance chiplet technology and foster talent through initiatives like internship programs. LG plans to use Tenstorrent’s capabilities to drive progress in high-performance computing and next-generation semiconductors. The collaboration is expected to strengthen both companies’ positions in delivering tailored AI solutions to the market.
China’s AI Robot Dog Tackles Rough Terrain with Ease
ㆍChinese robotics company Deep Robotics has unveiled Lynx, a robot dog equipped with wheels on all four legs for enhanced mobility. Lynx is designed to move quickly and stably over uneven terrains, showcasing its capability to handle challenging environments.
ㆍIn a video released on November 13, Lynx was shown gliding down mountain paths and climbing an 80cm boulder with precision. This innovation highlights its potential for use in outdoor operations, rescue missions, and exploration tasks.
James Dyson Award 2024 Sustainability Winner: Singapore’s Weather Balloon
ㆍResearchers Shane Kee Hla Win and Daniel Supyan Bin Shaiful from the Singapore University of Technology and Design won the Sustainability category of the James Dyson Award 2024 for their innovative Airseed Radiosonde on 13 November. Designed to address the issue of plastic and e-waste from traditional radiosondes, their reusable device offers a sustainable alternative for weather observation.
ㆍInspired by maple seeds, the Airseed Radiosonde controls its descent through lift and drag, enabling recovery and reuse. By slowing its fall and collecting atmospheric data during descent, the device reduces environmental impact while maintaining functionality. This invention could significantly cut down on the 48 tonnes of e-waste generated annually by discarded radiosondes globally.
Malaysia Urges Neutrality in U.S.-China AI Race, Says PM Anwar
ㆍSpeaking at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, on November 14, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of neutrality as the U.S.-China competition over artificial intelligence heats up under the new Trump administration. Malaysia has positioned itself as a neutral player and a key data centre hub in Asia’s growing digital economy.
ㆍWith nearly $17 billion in combined investments from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Oracle, Malaysia has emerged as a pivotal location for AI data centres. These investments highlight Malaysia’s strategic importance in supporting the global AI boom while maintaining balanced relations with both superpowers.
