After five international meetings, they still haven’t found an answer.

Fujikura Surges on AI Demand

ㆍShares of Fujikura Ltd., a Japanese fiber optic cable manufacturer, have soared 400% this year, driven by increasing demand for data centers fueled by advancements in AI technologies. The company has rebounded from pandemic-related losses, with sales expected to reach 104 billion yen in 2023, a 17% year-on-year increase, largely supported by overseas markets, including Apple as a key U.S. customer.

ㆍMeanwhile, Meta is investing $10 billion to build a global undersea cable system that will significantly enhance global data traffic capacity. The global fiber optic cable market, projected to grow at a 10% CAGR and reach $7.5 billion by 2030, is propelled by AI-driven applications like cloud computing, 5G networks, and high-performance computing. Infrastructure like fiber optic cables is essential for real-time, high-speed data transmission, positioning companies like Fujikura to capitalize on the expanding AI and data center industries.

Taiwanese Logistics Startup BBTruck Expands into Southeast Asia

ㆍTaiwanese logistics startup BBTruck has partnered with Haulio to expand into Southeast Asia, catering to companies diversifying their manufacturing bases amidst geopolitical tensions. The move aligns with the increasing shift of semiconductor supply chains to the region.

ㆍThis expansion follows BBTruck’s successful $6.1 million seed funding round in August. CEO Steven Cho highlighted the growing demand for logistics solutions in Southeast Asia as companies adjust their strategies in response to global economic and political dynamics.

South Korea officially launches AI Safety Institute

ㆍThe Korean government has inaugurated the AI Safety Research Institute to promote the safe development of AI technology and strengthen global cooperation in AI risk assessment. Backed by international AI experts, the institute aims to enhance Korea’s global competitiveness and ensure the ethical use of AI.

ㆍThe institute will focus on AI risk mitigation, policy development, and collaboration with major AI safety organizations in Korea. Supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), the initiative solidifies Korea’s leadership in global AI safety efforts, building on commitments made at the AI Seoul Summit. It is significant in that it is only the sixth AI safety institute in the world.

China’s Pony AI Raises $260 Million in Nasdaq IPO

ㆍPony AI, a Chinese self-driving technology company, successfully raised $260 million in its Nasdaq debut, surpassing its initial target of $195 million due to strong investor demand. The IPO valued the company at approximately $4.5 billion, making it one of the largest U.S. listings by a Chinese firm this year.

ㆍDespite proposed U.S. restrictions on Chinese self-driving software, Pony AI’s shares rose 16% following its public debut. The company sold 20 million U.S.-deposited shares, reflecting heightened investor interest in autonomous driving technologies.

INC-5 Fails to Finalize International Agreement on Plastic Pollution

ㆍThe Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) concluded without finalizing an agreement to address plastic pollution, as divisions emerged over regulating plastic production versus waste-centered management. The event opened on November 25 in the South Korean maritime city of Busan and ended in the early hours of December 2 after a week of negotiations. Over 100 countries, including South Korea, supported stronger measures to reduce plastic production, but disagreements on key issues like financing and chemical regulation stalled progress.

ㆍDespite setbacks, the committee agreed to hold a follow-up session (INC-5.2) in 2025, with hopes of reaching a robust international agreement. South Korea, represented by its Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment, played an active role and pledged to advocate for stronger commitments in the next round of negotiations.