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
(opens original source in a new tab)Axios"Rubio Realizing" memes become a White House birthday gift Photo: Marc Caputo/AxiosMarco Rubio has three official Trump administration jobs and a fourth unofficial title: Viral meme star.He's been featured in countless "Rubio Realizing" images doctored to capture his grim reaction to being "assigned" more jobs, depending on the news of t (opens original source in a new tab)Marc Caputo·13 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosScoop: Trump team tells GOP to lean in on health carePresident Trump's top political hands had some surprising advice for Senate Republicans last week: Talk more about health care.Why it matters: Trump and the MAGA base are fixated on the voter-ID and proof-of-citizenship SAVE Act. But Republican message testing from (opens original source in a new tab)Stef W. Kight·13 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)Axios"It is despicable": House Democrats rage over Republican stock trading "set-up"House Democrats went into the vote on the Stop Insider Trading Act last month groaning that it was all a big Republican set-up. Now they're fuming that the trap has been sprung.Why it matters: A well-funded Republican group is blanketing the airwaves lauding GOP lawmakers in key swing districts — including some with reputations for prolific stock trading — as champions on the issue."Corrupt congressmen treat the House floor like a trading floor. Thankfu (opens original source in a new tab)Andrew Solender·13 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosKushner set to visit Israel, Egypt next week for Gaza talksJared Kushner, President Trump's envoy and son-in-law, is planning to visit Israel next week for talks on the situation in Gaza, according to five sources with knowledge of the plan.Why it matters: This would be Kushner's first trip to Israel since January. It comes as the White House and Trump's Board of Peace are trying to push forward with the next phase of the (opens original source in a new tab)Barak Ravid·13 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosKennedy Center board restores Trump's name, testing judgeThe Kennedy Center board voted Thursday to again add President Trump's name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, two anonymous sources told Axios.Why it matters: The move challenges a federal judge's ruling back in May that only Congress could change the name of the performing arts venue, and that Trump's name must be <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/trump-kenned (opens original source in a new tab)Rebecca Falconer·13 August 2026
