Second place is rapidly closing the gap with first place.
| 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. |
China Blocks Gallium and Germanium Exports to U.S. Amid Semiconductor Tensions
ㆍChina has announced a ban on exporting gallium and germanium to the U.S. in retaliation to Washington’s increased restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry. These materials are critical for producing advanced chips, and the ban could have far-reaching implications for the global tech supply chain.
ㆍThis move escalates tensions between the two economic powers, threatening to further disrupt global supply chains and intensify competition in the semiconductor sector, a vital component of modern technology.
FireDome Raises $4.5 Million for Wildfire Defense Technology
ㆍIsraeli startup FireDome has secured $4.5 million in funding to advance its wildfire prevention technology. The investment includes $3 million from U.S. firm Third Sphere and Israel’s Gravity, along with $1.5 million in grants from the Israel Innovation Agency for R&D efforts.
ㆍInspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, FireDome’s solution combines cameras and computers to detect embers or small fires and a launcher that disperses flame retardants. The technology aims to protect critical assets by addressing wildfires before they escalate.
ByteDance’s Doubao Rises to #2 Among Global AI Chatbots
ㆍByteDance’s AI chatbot, Doubao, launched in June 2023, has become the second most widely used chatbot in the world as generative AI gains traction in daily life across China. With a user base of 51.3 million as of October, it ranks as the most popular domestic AI app, according to Aicpb.com.
ㆍUnlike many top AI apps that rely on OpenAI’s models, Doubao leverages its own AI technology, showcasing China’s advancements in the AI sector. Its affordability, with costs less than 1% of ChatGPT’s commercial pricing, has also been a key factor in its rapid growth.
U.S. Firm APL to Build $2 Billion Data Center in Fukuoka, Japan
ㆍU.S.-based investment firm Asia Pacific Land (APL) plans to construct a 300-megawatt data center cluster in Fukuoka Prefecture, southern Japan, making it the largest on the island of Kyushu. The project reflects the region’s growing importance as a hub for semiconductor and AI industries.
ㆍThe cluster, comprising six data centers spread across 122,000 square meters in Itoshima City, represents a $2 billion investment. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, further strengthening Japan’s digital infrastructure.
AI Governance Lags in Asia Pacific, Deloitte Report Finds
ㆍA Deloitte report reveals that fewer than 10% of organizations in Asia have formal AI governance policies, highlighting a significant gap as businesses seek to adopt AI technologies. Despite this, many executives remain overconfident about their AI readiness, overestimating their ability to handle the challenges of integrating AI.
ㆍThe report, titled “AI at the Crossroads: Building Trust to Scale,” released on December 2, surveyed leaders across 13 markets, exploring AI adoption risks and benefits. It emphasizes the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible and scalable AI deployment in the region.
