AI & Machine Learning (opens original source in a new tab)MIT Technology ReviewAI’s recursive self-improvement might not come so quickly after allThe AI industry’s boldest promise right now is that AI will soon improve itself, with almost no need for human oversight. LLMs can already write code, generate synthetic data for training, and optimize the computer chips they run on. Forecasts of explosive AI progress predict that what researchers call recursive self-improvement is on the horizon. … (opens original source in a new tab)Michelle Kim·18 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaMalaysia Sets Consultation Priorities for Budget 2027Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance has released its pre-budget statement for Budget 2027, outlining policy priorities focused on economic resilience, fiscal reform, social protection and digital transformation. The statement positions Budget 2027 as the second budget under the 13th Malaysia Plan and invites public consultation across 10 policy areas before the national budget is tabled on […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·18 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaSingapore: AI, Autonomous Systems Strengthen Maritime Safety and ResilienceSingapore is using AI, autonomous systems, real-time data and advanced modelling to strengthen maritime safety, resilience and preparedness for emerging risks across its evolving maritime sector. (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·18 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaThe Philippines and EU Partner on Trusted and Human-Centred AIThe Philippines and the European Union are expanding cooperation on AI research, infrastructure and governance through a joint initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The recent EU-PH Advancing Research and Innovation on Artificial Intelligence Mission brought together government officials, researchers and industry representatives to examine opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·18 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaHong Kong Advances Hydrogen Energy Trials at Central Construction SiteHong Kong’s Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel has granted agreement-in-principle to a new hydrogen energy trial project involving electricity supply at a construction site in Central. According to the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the project will test the use of metal hydrogen energy storage technology to power a meeting room, adding to […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·17 August 2026
AI & Machine Learning (opens original source in a new tab)MIT Technology ReviewWhat Flock’s defenders are missingThis story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first, sign up here. Flock, the police-tech giant known for its network of some 120,000 automatic license plate readers around the US, announced some changes to its platform last Thursday. The updates are meant to prevent… (opens original source in a new tab)James O'Donnell·17 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaNew Zealand Expands Vehicle Enforcement for Unpaid Court FinesThe New Zealand Government is expanding its enforcement approach for unpaid court fines and reparations through a nationwide operation involving vehicle number plate scanning. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said every bailiff in the country would participate in the operation on 19 August 2026, using handheld technology to identify vehicles linked to people with overdue court-ordered […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostNvidia to provide up to US$105 billion guarantee for OpenAI’s Ohio data centreNvidia has agreed to provide a guarantee of up to US$105 billion to help OpenAI lease a sprawling data centre in Ohio being developed by SoftBank-backed SB Energy, in one of the chipmaker’s largest infrastructure financing commitments. The Jensen Huang-led firm said on Monday it will also invest US$1.5 billion in SB Energy, months after a US$1 billion investment from OpenAI and SoftBank to expand data centre infrastructure. The new deal is the latest example of Nvidia financing the... (opens original source in a new tab)Reuters·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostAlibaba sells gaming arm Lingxi Games as tech giant sharpens focus on AI and e-commerceAlibaba Group Holding has agreed to sell its wholly owned gaming business Lingxi Games to Trustar Capital as the Chinese technology giant pivots away from noncore sectors to prioritise e-commerce and artificial intelligence, according to an internal letter issued on Monday. “As part of Alibaba’s broader strategy to sharpen its focus, the group has decided to entrust Lingxi to Trustar Capital,” stated the letter seen by the South China Morning Post and signed by Lingxi CEO Zhou Bingshu. The... (opens original source in a new tab)Wency Chen·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Rest of WorldBan on Chinese robots leaves U.S. startups strandedWashington’s limits on foreign parts promises a supply chain revolution — but Silicon Valley founders say domestic alternatives don’t exist yet. (opens original source in a new tab)Viola Zhou·17 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)MIT Technology ReviewWhat happens when a kid’s robot best friend dies?When Xander first met Moxie, she taught him that when he was anxious, he could calm down by exhaling through his lips so that he buzzed like a bee. They practiced breathing like dragons to manage feeling mad and sniffing like bunnies to boost his energy. But in the six years they’ve known each other,… (opens original source in a new tab)Sara Harrison·17 August 2026
