Han Kang’s Nobel Literature Prize is rewritten with technology
| 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. |
AI Hologram of ‘Dong-ho’ Unveiled as Han Kang Wins Nobel Literature Prize
ㆍOn December 11, a hologram of ‘Dong-ho,’ the protagonist of Han Kang’s novel “Human Acts,” was displayed at Gwangju City Hall to celebrate the author becoming the first Korean and first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The AI recreation pays tribute to the real-life inspiration for Dong-ho, Moon Jae-hak, a student soldier who died during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising.
ㆍAt the ceremony, Han Kang personally thanked Moon Jae-hak’s mother, emphasizing the historical and emotional significance of her work. The event highlighted the connection between literature and technology in preserving and honoring historical narratives.
Bangkok Targets $14.8 Billion Semiconductor Investment by 2029
ㆍThailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved a $360 million investment from Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, a Taiwanese Apple supplier. The investment will fund two new factories in Chonburi and Rayong provinces to produce mechanical components and equipment for the chip industry, creating over 1,400 jobs for Thai workers.
ㆍThe move aligns with Bangkok’s broader goal of attracting $14.8 billion in semiconductor investments by 2029, positioning Thailand as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain and boosting its manufacturing capabilities in the tech sector.
Singapore Startup to Launch Quantum-Encrypted Satellite in 2025
ㆍA Singaporean company plans to launch a quantum-encrypted communications satellite in 2025, marking the first deployment of this technology outside China. This initiative highlights Singapore’s growing presence in the global aerospace and satellite communications market.
ㆍSupported by government initiatives and the research expertise of its top universities, Singapore’s space companies are advancing quantum and semiconductor technologies for satellites, further boosting the city-state’s reputation as a leader in niche aerospace markets.
Malaysia Launches National AI Office for Policy and Regulation
ㆍOn December 12, Malaysia inaugurated its national AI office to focus on policy creation, strategic planning, and regulation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the launch as a pivotal moment in the country’s digital transformation journey, aiming to establish Malaysia as a regional hub for AI technology.
ㆍThe office complements Malaysia’s growing appeal to global tech companies, which invested billions last year to build cloud and AI infrastructure. The initiative underscores the country’s commitment to advancing AI governance and development in Southeast Asia.
Twelve Labs Secures $30 Million Strategic Investment
ㆍSouth Korean AI startup Twelve Labs has raised $30 million in a strategic funding round, bringing its total investment to approximately $170 million. The round included major players like Snowflake, Databricks, SK Telecom, HubSpot Ventures, and In-Q-Tel, following the company’s Series A funding in June.
ㆍInvestors were drawn to Twelve Labs’ multimodal video understanding technology and its proven market value. Partnerships with Snowflake and Databricks will integrate their data platforms with Twelve’s AI solutions, offering enhanced video understanding capabilities for enterprise clients.
