(opens original source in a new tab)Rest of WorldThe online shopping trend where you buy nothingOn South Korea’s “dopamine sites,” the pleasure comes from aspirational shopping rituals like browsing, curating, and tracking — not from a delivery. (opens original source in a new tab)Itika Sharma Punit·14 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostZhipu launches flagship model GLM-5.3 as China seeks Mythos-level edge in cyber defenceChinese artificial intelligence firm Zhipu, also known as Z.ai, has unveiled its flagship GLM-5.3 model, saying it beat Anthropic’s frontier Mythos 5 model in a key cybersecurity test, as China races to counter Western advances in AI defence. Beijing-based Zhipu said GLM-5.3 achieved a success rate of 84.5 per cent on CyberGym, a benchmark that measures whether models can identify and validate security flaws from source code. That was above Anthropic’s Mythos at 83.8 per cent and OpenAI’s... (opens original source in a new tab)Xinmei Shen,Richard Chen·14 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChina’s richest province taps Alibaba to power its AI and chip pushChina’s richest province has deepened its partnership with technology giant Alibaba Group Holding, eyeing a broad digital upgrade spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and smart public services. Under a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed on Thursday in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province in southern China, the Hangzhou-based firm planned to increase its investments in computing power, AI models and digital services, according to a report by local state media... (opens original source in a new tab)Coco Feng·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaHong Kong Receives Bids for Kai Tak Smart Transit ProjectThe Hong Kong Government has closed the tender process for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak, receiving two submissions from consortia involving enterprises from Hong Kong and Mainland China. According to the official announcement, the project forms part of the government’s wider transport-oriented development strategy aimed at improving connectivity within […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·14 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostSMIC weighs more capacity as AI-related chip demand exceeds forecastsSemiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) is actively looking at adding equipment in its factories after demand for mature-node chips used alongside AI processors surged beyond expectations, according to company management. China’s largest contract chipmaker said on Friday that customer orders had increased significantly from its forecasts earlier this year, driven by a global artificial intelligence infrastructure boom that was triggering shortages across AI-related... (opens original source in a new tab)Howard Liu·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaVietnam Advances Energy Efficiency Policies and Digital Energy ManagementVietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade convened the National Conference on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy 2026 to review progress under the country’s energy efficiency programme and discuss priorities for the next phase. The conference brought together government agencies, local authorities, financial institutions, researchers and businesses to examine policy implementation, financing mechanisms and the […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaFoxton Solar Farm Receives Fast-track Approval in New ZealandNew Zealand has granted fast-track approval for the Foxton Solar Farm near Foxton, marking the 32nd project approved under the country’s Fast-track Approvals process and the eighth focused on renewable energy. According to the government announcement, the 220 MWp project is expected to generate approximately 345 GWh of renewable electricity annually, supplying enough power for […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·14 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostChinese doctor stuns maths world by cracking decades-old problem using ChatGPTWhen Beijing-based neurosurgeon Jin Shanmu pulled up a chair at his computer, he was not looking to make mathematical history. He was simply trying to crack a problem related to brain ultrasounds. Instead, the self-taught maths enthusiast, with help from OpenAI’s latest flagship artificial intelligence (AI) model, solved a two-decade-old mathematical puzzle that had frustrated experts around the world since 2004. Jin, a postdoctoral researcher and resident at the Peking Union Medical College... (opens original source in a new tab)Xinmei Shen·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaSingapore: IMDA Puts Digital Leadership at Heart of Transformation AgendaSingapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is positioning digital leadership as a central part of the country’s long-term transformation agenda. Through its work in innovation, regulation, research and capability development, the agency is supporting a digital economy that aims to balance growth, public trust and inclusion. Details published by IMDA on its official resources platform […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaIndonesia Strengthens Digital and Technical Skills for Future WorkforceIndonesia is strengthening education, vocational training and industry collaboration to address graduate skills mismatches and improve workforce readiness amid rapid digital transformation. (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·14 August 2026
Technology (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AsiaChina Expands Digital Conservation at Mogao GrottoesChina is strengthening efforts to protect the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang through a combination of environmental monitoring, conservation science and digital technologies. The UNESCO World Heritage site, located along the historic Silk Road in northwest China, faces growing pressure from climate change and increasing visitor numbers. According to a report published by the Chinese government, […] (opens original source in a new tab)OpenGov AI·13 August 2026
