Equinix energises digital landscape in Singapore with additional 58.5 MWp of solar energy 

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  • Agreement help Singapore’s move towards a brighter economy
  • Equinix will receive 133.5 MW of solar energy from Sembcorp Power.

Equinix energises digital landscape in Singapore with additional 58.5 MWp of solar energy 

The digital infrastructure company® Equinix, Inc., has signed its second renewable energy power purchase agreement ( PPA ) with Sembcorp Power Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, in an effort to help reduce the effects of global climate change. Sembcorp Power announced in a statement that it will support Equinix’s expanding data center portfolio with a maximum of 133.5 Megawatts ( MWp ) of renewable energy with this second PPA.

According to the report, Equinix’s continuing investment underscores its commitment to providing modern facilities for economic growth while reducing carbon emissions in accordance with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Beginning in 2029, this minute PPA will allow Equinix to generate a maximum capacity of 58.5 MWp of solar power generated by JTC’s qualities on Jurong Island. This renewable energy source may significantly reduce carbon emissions by 30 to 30 to 200 tonnes annually, making that number comparable to the power of over 17, 200 four-room HDB condos. This PPA may allow fresh energy to help the country’s transition to a green economy by aligning with the Singapore government’s commitment to make Jurong Island a sustainable energy and substances park.

Lee May Leong, Managing Director, Singapore, Equinix, said:” Data centres serve as the foundation of the online business, but the increasing power demands of AI are impacting national energy constraints and emissions targets. Equinix is positively addressing these issues by putting forth energy-saving best practices and procurement strategies that are in line with our climate commitments. We’re delighted to announce our next PPA in Singapore, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting our customers ‘ efforts to advance their businesses and achieve conservation goals.

Meanwhile, Vickrem Vijayan, Head of Energy Commercial ( Singapore ), Sembcorp, said:” We are pleased to deepen our ongoing partnership with Equinix, supporting them in advancing their sustainability goals and helping to shape a more sustainable digital economy. We look forward to future partnerships that will advance Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan and promote the change of strength.

Highlights/Key Information:

  • The houses of five JTC houses, including Jurong Rock Caverns ‘ above-ground services and Jurong Island Checkpoint, will be covered by this thermal deployment on Jurong Island, which will also include 60 hectares of vacant land.
  • Equinix and Sembcorp signed their first long-term PPA in Singapore in April 2024, which is anticipated to produce about 75 MWp of renewable energy starting on January 1, 2027.
  • Since 2015, Equinix has executed 25 PPAs worldwide, including arrangements in Australia, India, and Singapore in 2024. These agreements are expected to contribute approximately 3, 250, 000 megawatt hours ( MWh ) of renewable energy annually to local grids across the US, Australia, France, Finland, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Singapore once operational.
  • In 2023, Equinix achieved 96 % solar cover across its international operations. In Asia-Pacific, Equinix achieved 100 % renewable coverage in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Singapore markets in 2023.

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Will NASA Moon rocket get canceled in favor of Musk Mars project? – Asia Times

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Since Donald Trump’s new electoral defeat, rumours and speculation have circulated that NASA’s large Moon jet, the Space Launch System ( SLS), may be under threat. The US area company’s Artemis program, which aims to bring people back to Earth for the first time since 1972, includes a number of crucial components.

For the first lunar getting mission, called Artemis III, the SLS will launch four pilots on NASA’s Orion team capsules. The Moon will be reached by Orion next. Once in lunar orbit, Orion will dock with Elon Musk’s Starship vehicle ( launched separately ). A Starship, which departs from Orion and descends to the moon’s surface, may have two pilots float into it.

After walking on the Moon, the two pilots return to solar orbit in Starship, which docks with Orion. The two moonwalkers leave the Starship in lunar orbit and return their companions on Orion.

According to US place journalist Eric Berger, “NASA’s Space Launch System rocket may be cancelled, but to be clear, we are far from anyone being settled, but based on what I’m hearing, it seems at least 50-50.”

There have n’t been any official announcements. But, for a choice may align with previous rumors that the Trump administration might sack NASA and force it to sell much of its function to private companies.

However, was the SLS be replaced with a different rocket quickly? In the midst of the emerging 21st-century place culture, this is at the heart of what America wants to accomplish. By 2030, China has pledged to give its astronauts to the moon. Unlike the US, China is generally traditional in its estimates, so we can conclude date slippage is doubtful. Some in the space industry believe that US place ambitions would suffer significantly if China were to reach the Moon second this era.

However, many aspects of Artemis are holding up the US plan. One of these delayed parts is Musk’s Starship, which acts as the spacecraft on Artemis III. Important milestones like refueling in space and making a Moon landing without a team still need to be demonstrated.

As one of the two chief value cutters aiming to reduce national spending by up to US$$ 2 trillion, Musk has been appointed to the incoming administration. Elon Musk’s ties to Trump and his remarks about shifting attention to a crewed Mars objective have alarmed some spectators.

These remarks appear to echo Musk’s, who has focused little of his energies on planetary settlement goals rather than the Moon. Some people believe the billionaire’s plan to take humans to Mars using his Starship car to be impossible, according to the billionaire.

The Artemis program was actually created by the Trump presidency in 2017. The program intends to create a permanent foundation where astronauts may conduct cutting-edge research after conducting preliminary missions to the lunar surface.

But, the routine has been slipping. This time, US pilots were scheduled to make their first appearance on Earth. Nasa then says the second landing, during the Artemis III mission, does not take place until Autumn 2026.

Delays have been introduced by revisions to astronauts, issues with Orion’s heat-shield and life assistance devices and, as mentioned, with Starship. Cost overruns and missed deadlines have also been a problem with an upgraded smart build tower for the SLS.

Orion during Artemis I mission
Had Nasa‘s Orion crew capsule start on another jet? Nasa

Importantly, the SLS, which performed exceptionally well during the Artemis I mission in 2022, is one of the factors that are causing difficulties. The Kennedy Space Center at NASA’s Florida Space Center has already invested a number of billions of dollars in designing and building the Orion and related equipment.

NASA says the SLS is” the single jet that you take Orion, pilots, and goods straight to the Moon in a single launch”. But its expense has been criticized: each SLS launch is estimated to cost more than$ 2 billion.

The news of difficulties and complex problems with Artemis coincides with much-lauded PR for Musk’s SpaceX, particularly in relation to its Starship test flights. This included next season’s achievement, which wow space enthusiasts all over the world when the car massive booster level was caught in two robotic arms as it returned from space to the bank’s launchpad in Texas. Unlike several launch automobiles, Starship is designed to be entirely reusable. Coming crewed missions may benefit tremendously from its low cost effectiveness.

If the SLS were to be cancelled, was Musk’s Starship change it? In this case, the SpaceX spacecraft could presumably serve both as the launch pad for pilots traveling into lunar orbit and as the spacecraft for their landing on Earth. This is essentially possible, but would be far from a simple, like-for-like replacement. While Starship is still in its testing phase and still needs to be completed before astronauts may board it, the SLS is now operational.

The Falcon Heavy is yet another SpaceX rocket that has recently been rumored to be capable of launching Orion. Engineers would need to adjust the assembly and launch procedures as well as the rocket. This may carry some uncertainties, and with it the risk of more, considerable delays to the Artemis schedule. All of this suggests that the US needs to advance in this 21st-century space race if there is n’t much time left to significantly alter NASA’s Moon program.

Falcon Heavy launches Europa Clipper
Orion had been launched from a Falcon Heavy rocket, according to previous research from NASA. SpaceX, CC BY-NC

Rocket debuts require particular designs to satisfy objective requirements, as well as substantial planning for carrying astronauts, aircraft and payloads. The mission of Artemis is to land astronauts on the Moon in a variety of locations, including the largely unknown southern shaft.

The development and planning involved are extremely optimistic and sophisticated. It remains to be seen whether SpaceX, or any other business start businesses, are prepared for such a major effort and determination.

It does n’t seem economically advantageous to completely abandon the rocket with the hundreds of billions already invested in it. There may be other ways for corporate place players to get involved, as NASA has indicated by its willingness to look for creative approaches and collaborate with business on upcoming Artemis missions.

The incoming Trump administration has a reason to ask questions and prompt NASA program price versions. However, it would be wise for them to thoroughly consider the trade-offs before making decisions with such dire consequences.

Whether or not the top concern is winning the new place competition may be. Whatever objectives the new administration chooses to prioritize or to set aside, it may have to properly defend those goals to various lawmakers and the American electorate.

Yang Gao is a doctor of technology and mind of the Center for Robotics Research, King’s College London.

The Conversation has republished this essay under a Creative Commons license. Read the original post.

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Power semiconductors show the way to secure supply chains – Asia Times

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Despite a declining demand for electric vehicles and industrial machinery, the manufacturing capacity for silicon carbide power semiconductors is still growing worldwide.

Silicon carbide wafer and discrete semiconductor manufacturers in the US, Japan, Europe, South Korea, and China are switching from 6-inch ( 150mm ) to 8-inch ( 200mm ) diameter wafers to increase productivity and protect their businesses from politically motivated supply chain disruption.

Silicon carbide ( SiC ) is rapidly replacing ordinary silicon ( Si) as the preferred substrate for power semiconductors. Its benefits include:

  • opposition to higher volts,
  • sensitivity for a wider variety of noise and temperatures, and
  • greater system lifetimes.

By switching from AC to DC electric power and setting the correct voltages, strength semiconductors transform the electricity produced by motors, energy systems, lighting, and other appliances.

Compared with golden, SiC-based products are more energy efficient and reliable. They are essential for the performance of both battery- and battery-charged professional technology, solar and wind power, and data centers.

The US organization Wolfspeed, the first to apply SiC and is still the largest maker of SiC wafers in the world, just received$ 2.5 billion in funding to improve and increase its 8-inch chip manufacturing capabilities in North Carolina and New York.

The money includes

  • a$ 750 million award under the CHIPS Act,
  • $ 750 million in loans from institutional investors Apollo, the Baupost Group, Fidelity Management &amp, Research Company and the Capital Group, and
  • US Internal Revenue Service is anticipated to provide Section 48D advanced manufacturing tax credits of$ 1.0 billion.

The US Department of Energy identified silicon carbide as one of “one of 17 important materials” with a higher chance of supply disruption, which are essential to clean energy technologies, Wolfspeed noted in announcing the financing. The information is critical to national security, according to the US Commerce Department.

The funding will allow Wolfspeed to construct the world’s first and largest 8-inch Si factory in Mohawk Valley, New York. This should improve the company’s revenue structure and support its business communicate, which, in the estimation of European market research and consulting firm Yole, dropped from close to 50 % in 2021 to about 35 % in 2023 due to the rise of Chinese SiC chip companies.

The cheap switch from 6-inch to 8-inch chips, which has caused Wolfspeed to become a red-light, is also required by the new funding.

Wolfspeed is also in direct competition with Chinese manufacturers, who are also switching to 8-inch wafers and losing money. For the first time in a few years, Rohm, the largest Asian producer of SiC chips and devices, experienced a decline in the three weeks to September.

Selling to Taiwanese electric vehicle manufacturers, including those who sold SiC power devices, were among the reasons for this. Other factors included declining factory automation and energy demand, rising labor and materials costs, rising R&amp, D expenses, and amortization as a result of the company’s violent expansion of its power semiconductor business.

With higher yields and the switch from 6-inch to 8-inch ( 200mm ) wafers, which will increase the number of chips per wafer by about 1.8x, Rohm anticipates higher margins. The firm anticipates that demand from electric vehicle manufacturers and industrial customers will return to the previous decade’s upward pattern.

After purchasing European SiCrystal in 2009, Rohm is then gearing up to produce 8-inch SiC chips in Kyushu’s Miyazaki Prefecture. In Miyazaki, Rohm now produces SiC products, as well as in Kyoto, in two companies in Fukuoka Prefecture, both of which are located in Kyushu. In addition to its family firm, SiCrystal supplies STMicroelectronics (ST Micro ) and other manufacturers of energy electronics.

Rohm claims to have won more than 50 style awards from global automakers, including Geely and Xpeng, both from China. And it owns 20 % of a cooperative venture with China’s Zhenghai Group that is engaged in R&amp, D, style, manufacturing and sales of Such energy components in Shanghai.

In Fukuoka Prefecture’s Green Asia International Strategic Comprehensive Special Zone, Mitsubishi Electric recently made an announcement to invest ten billion dollars ($ 67 million ) to build a new facility where power semiconductor modules can be assembled and tested. It will strengthen and automated production lines that have already been dispersed, increasing both capability and effectiveness.

The new Fukuoka plant’s primary goal is to serve the electric car market in particular. It is scheduled to start operating in 2026. In the nearby Kumamoto Prefecture, Mitsubishi Electric is even building an 8-inch line and upgrading its 6-inch Such power device production lines. Coherent, a US company that manufactures business materials, may supply 8-inch SiC wafers.

Japan’s NGK Insulators and Resonac ( formerly Showa Denko ), have also developed 8-inch SiC wafers and are moving toward commercial production.

And on November 29, Denso and Fuji Electric, two companies that make up the Toyota Group, announced their plans to expand their line of SiC chips, energy semiconductors, and modules. With an investment of more than ¥200 billion ( approximately$ 1.4 billion ), up to a third of it provided by METI, the project “aims to secure supply capacity on par with market-leading European and American companies” ,&nbsp, according to METI Minister&nbsp, Yoji Muto. Manufacturing is moving to 8-inch chips, according to Denso and Fuji Electric.

Starting in 2026, STMicroelectronics will begin manufacturing SiC in Italy, which will include 8-inch wafers, distinct strength semiconductors, and energy components. The 5-billion grow complex is expected to be operational by 2033 with help from the EU Chips Act.

STMicro may also form a partnership with Chinese company Sanan Optoelectronics to create Such power products using its proprietary production process on 8-inch SiC wafers made in a separate facility that Sanan Optoelectronics did build, own, and run. Beginning in the late 2025, STMicroelectronics may start selling the products to customers in China.

According to market research firm TrendForce, STMicro holds the top position for SiC power devices ( not wafers ) on the global market, accounting for about a third of that market.

Bosch, an auto parts manufacturer, intends to begin producing energy supplies on 8-inch SiC chips in 2026, both through an update to its 6-inch service in Germany and through an acquisition of a factory in California.

Nvidia, which began production of Such energy devices at a stock in Kulim, Malaysia, in August, buys wafers from many vendors including Wolfspeed, South Korea’s Stat Siltron and Taiwanese companies TankeBlue and SICC. Infineon plans to develop its Kulim 3 plant into” the world’s largest and most competitive 200-millimeter silicon carbide ( SiC ) power semiconductor fab, “going head -to-head with Wolfspeed.

According to TrendForce, SICC has achieved stable mass production of 8-inch substrates, TankeBlue is ramping up production, and two other Chinese companies, Shanxi Semisic Crystal and Synlight Semiconductor, are also capable of making them.

On top of that, on November 13, SICC announced the world’s first 12-inch ( 300mm ) SiC wafers, perhaps getting ahead of itself, but raising the bar and reminding the world that the Chinese are not just copycats.

Silicon wafers typically produce the majority of their semiconductors using 300mm. The material handling issue has caused SiC wafer sizes to decrease. When using 12-inch wafers, which have equivalent yields, the number of chips per wafer is roughly 2.25x higher than those of 8-inch wafers.

In addition to making or planning to make power devices on 8-inch SiC substrates, at least a dozen other businesses are making or preparing to do so, Yole projects a 24 % compound annual growth in sales of almost$ 10 billion over the next six years, reaching almost$ 10 billion. Through 2026, capital spending is expected to surpass sales. After that, companies and governments will expect to profit from their investments.

The SiC wafer and device market, which have production in “many locations around the world and no government able to impose its will on the market or development of the technology, may serve as a model for future resilient supply chains.

Follow this writer on&nbsp, X: @ScottFo83517667

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Cyberview, Futurise launch National Drone Sports Roadmap

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  • Drone Hub positions Cyberjaya as a hub for drone sports, talent & industry
  • NADSAR guides Malaysia’s drone sports growth through talent, partnerships & regulations

Najwan Halimi officiated the Drone Hub Innovation for Future Talents (DRIFT) and simultaneously launched the National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap

Cyberview Sdn. Bhd., together with its subsidiary Futurise Sdn. Bhd., hosted the Drone Hub Innovation for Future Talents (DRIFT) event, showcasing Malaysia’s commitment to advancing drone innovation and talent development. The event featured the announcement of the Cyberjaya Drone Hub, the unveiling of the National Drone Sports Strategic Roadmap (NADSAR) 2023–2027, and the launch of the Cyberjaya Drone Hero (CDH) programme.

The Cyberjaya Drone Hub, an initiative by Cyberview, is designed to establish Cyberjaya as a thriving drone ecosystem built on key pillars such as drone sports development, community engagement, talent cultivation, commercial opportunities, and industrial growth. With facilities like the Drone Testing Zone (DTZ) and testbeds, the hub fosters innovation and collaboration. Since 2019, the DTZ—supported by Drone Academy Asia, one of the first CAAM-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTO)—has trained over 2,300 remote pilots, conducted more than 150 training sessions, and logged over 2,000 flight hours, cementing Cyberjaya’s leadership in Malaysia’s drone sector.

A highlight of DRIFT was the unveiling of NADSAR 2023–2027, an initiative by Futurise via the National Academy for Drone Sports Excellence (AKSADRON). This roadmap serves as a blueprint for Malaysia’s growth in drone sports, emphasising talent cultivation, industry partnerships, and regulatory enhancements. It aligns with the government’s Visi Sukan Negara 2030, advancing both emerging sports and technological innovation.

Speaking at the event, Cyberview, Futurise launch National Drone Sports Roadmap Abdul Samad, CEO of Cyberview Sdn. Bhd. (pic), underscored DRIFT 2024’s significance in advancing Malaysia’s drone ecosystem. “Cyberjaya has been at the heart of Malaysia’s digital journey since the MSC days, evolving into a thriving ecosystem for technology, talent, and innovation. Today, we are proud to take another step forward, solidifying Cyberjaya as Malaysia’s Drone Hub.”

The Cyberjaya Drone Hero programme, a collaboration between Cyberview and he Cyberjaya Drone Hero programme, a collaboration between Cyberview and Futurise through AKSADRON, was introduced as a core initiative of the Cyberjaya Drone Hub. Focused on developing talent in drone sports, the programme provides hands-on training, competitive opportunities, and exposure to advanced technologies. By aligning with NADSAR’s objectives, it equips students and drone enthusiasts with STEM skills while encouraging participation from schools and universities nationwide. To date, the programme has trained over 200 students from 14 academic institutions, including SMK Cyberjaya, Sekolah Seri Puteri Cyberjaya, Politeknik Banting, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Tun Abdul Razak.

During the event, two Letters of Intent (LOIs) were exchanged to strengthen Malaysia’s drone technology and talent cultivation efforts. The first LOI was signed between Cyberview and Drone Academy Asia, and the second between Futurise and UMPSA Advanced, a subsidiary of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, supporting AKSADRON initiatives.

Beyond industry innovation, DRIFT 2024 seeks to engage local communities by raising awareness about drone sports and fostering a tech-savvy culture. Schools, universities, and stakeholders are encouraged to drive grassroots participation, creating excitement and ownership in this emerging field.

“As we move forward, Cyberview is committed to creating an inclusive and dynamic drone ecosystem. Through today’s engagements, let’s spark new ideas, collaborations, and inspiration to build a future that thrives on innovation and talent,” said Kamarul Ariffin.

The collaboration between Cyberview and Futurise reflects a unified effort to advance Malaysia’s technology ecosystem. Through initiatives such as the Cyberjaya Drone Hub, NADSAR, and the Cyberjaya Drone Hero programme, Cyberview is building a dynamic ecosystem that bridges industry and community through sports, positioning Malaysia as a global leader in drone innovation and technology.

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CelcomDigi appoints Dennis Chia as chief financial officer

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  • Brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience to the role
  • Previously served as the CFO of StarHub in Singapore for nearly a decade

CelcomDigi appoints Dennis Chia as chief financial officer

CelcomDigi Berhad has announced the appointment of Dennis Chia (pic)  as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Chia will assume his position on 2 January 2025.

Chia previously served as chief financial officer at StarHub in Singapore for nearly a decade until September 2024. Before StarHub, he held various CFO and finance leadership roles across major industries, including information technology, semiconductors, automotive, and oil and gas. His past roles include senior vice president and CFO at STATS ChiPAC Worldwide and vice president of finance at Lear Corporation.

With over 30 years of experience as a finance leader, Chia is a Certified Public Accountant. He holds an accounting degree from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Hull in England.

Chia will succeed current CFO Lucy Tan, who departs CelcomDigi at the end of her contract. Tan has been a key part of CelcomDigi’s management team since the merger in December 2022. As CFO, she strengthened the company’s growth and operational efficiency focus and led key finance transformation initiatives, establishing a strong foundation for future performance.

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Beijing vows retaliation if Biden curbs Chinese chip firms again – Asia Times

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The Chinese government has vowed to “implement necessary measures” after media reports said the United States would add more Chinese semiconductor firms to its Entity List. 

He Yadong, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, on Thursday threatened to retaliate against Washington after Reuters reported on November 22 that the Biden administration would soon unveil a new round of sanctions to ban shipments of US chips and chip-making equipment to 200 Chinese chip companies.

Media reports said the curbs would be announced before November 28, or Thanksgiving Day, but they have not yet been announced as of this writing. 

Some Chinese commentators said China should further tighten its export rules to prevent US companies from obtaining its metals such as germanium and dysprosium.

“China has dominated the supply of precious metals such as germanium and dysprosium, which are the most important raw materials in the semiconductor industry,” a Jilin-based columnist says in an article. “Our country can completely stop the export of these raw materials, forcing western countries to delay the pace of their technological development.” 

He said this move would provide more time for China to catch up with the US in terms of technological development. 

He said China should consider forming an alliance with Singapore and Japan to jointly stop the US from obtaining key raw materials to make chips.

Meanwhile, some other Chinese commentators are not optimistic that China can unveil any effective countermeasures against the US. 

A Henan-based writer using the pseudonym “Xiaoxi Lishi” published an article with the title “200 Chinese chip firms will be sanctioned. This is game over!”

“The potential sanctioning of 200 Chinese chip companies is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the fast-growing chip industry in China,” the article says. “If chip foundries or packaging firms cannot get their core machine parts, they will have to stop production and suffer from heavy losses.”

The writer says such a disruption will also extend to the upstream and downstream sectors, slowing China’s industry upgrade. He adds that the only thing that China can do is to boost its investment in research and development and form new partnerships with other countries.

200 Chinese firms 

In late July, Reuters reported that the Biden administration planned by the end of August to expand the coverage of its Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), which was first introduced in 1959 to control the trading of US technologies. 

The wire service also said that the US plans to add about 120 Chinese entities, including six chip foundries and their hardware and software suppliers, to its restricted trade list.

But the White House postponed the announcement as American chip and chip-making equipment makers are worried that their revenue in China will be sacrificed. 

Citing an email sent by the US Chamber of Commerce to its members on November 21, Reuters reported that the US Commerce Department planned to publish the new regulation “prior to the Thanksgiving break.” 

The email also said that another set of rules curbing shipments of high-bandwidth memory chips to China was expected to be unveiled in December. 

Analysts said that these would be the Biden administration’s last two rounds of curbs against China’s chip sector before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025. 

N+3 process

The Reuters report about the potential sanctions against 200 Chinese firms came a few days after Richard Yu, chief executive of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said on November 15 that Huawei would launch its Mate70 flagship smartphone on November 26. 

Chinese media said the premium Mate70 models would use a new 7-nanometer processor known as the Kirin 9100, which is said to be comparable to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8+ Gen 1 for central processing units (CPU) and graphic processing units (GPU), respectively. 

They expected Chinese chipmaker Shanghai Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to use its deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines and N+3 process to produce the 9100 processor. 

But on November 26, Huawei’s fans were disappointed by news that the Mate70 Pro would use a chip called Kirin 9020, which is only a fine-tuned version of the existing Kirin 9010 processor made with N+2 process.

The N+3 process can feature 130 million transistors per square millimeter while the N+2 one can only achieve 89 million transistors per square millimeter.

Some Chinese commentators said the failed debut of the 9100 chip showed that Huawei and SMIC were unable to improve their foundry technology without ASML’s extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine. 

Read: Huawei’s Mate70 to flex high-end chip self-sufficiency

Read: TSMC’s 7nm chip ban targets China’s AI chipmakers

Read: US to tighten China chip squeeze with old Cold War rule

Read: China: US high-tech investment ban to hurt global supply chain

Read: China boxed out of high-NA lithography race to 1nm chips

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expands EV charging network through corporate collaborations

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  • Additional privileges at partner hotels for Mercedes-Benz customers
  • Partners with hotels, golf courses to expand EV charging in Malaysia

Amanda Zhang, CEO & president, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (6th from left), together with prestigious hotels, golf course, & charging partners announcing a transformative corporate collaboration nationwide

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network through collaborations with hotels and golf courses across the country. The initiative is part of the company’s strategy to enhance accessibility for EV owners and integrate sustainable mobility with luxury experiences.

The company is adopting a multi-channel approach to strengthen its EV infrastructure by offering Charge@Home Wallbox installations for private residences, Charge@Retail EV charging facilities at Mercedes-Benz retail outlets, and Charge@Public branded charging stations at partner hotels, resorts, and golf courses.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is also working with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) such as EV Connection, ChargeEV, and Gentari to develop a nationwide EV charging infrastructure.

The initiative includes partnerships with establishments in key regions such as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang and Marriott Hotel in Penang, The RuMa Hotel & Residences and Saujana Golf & Country Club in Klang Valley, and Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor. Mercedes-Benz customers can enjoy additional privileges at these partner hotels by presenting their Mercedes-Benz Card or App upon check-in.

Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, stated, “Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of driving the future of mobility and luxury through meaningful and synergistic collaborations. By seamlessly integrating electric mobility into luxury lifestyle experiences, we are redefining the essence of being a Mercedes-Benz customer.” 

Edmin Naidoo, Vice President of Customer Services at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, added, “Our partnerships are designed to address the diverse needs of our customers while supporting Malaysia’s transition to sustainable mobility. By expanding the EV charging ecosystem and offering customised solutions, we are addressing today’s customer trends and expectations and further laying the foundation for a more sustainable customer centric future.”

The company is exploring potential collaborations with additional luxury hotels, shopping malls, and golf courses to expand its portfolio of exclusive lifestyle offerings.

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Cult Creative launches Creator Platform to enable modern storytellers to enjoy better cashflow 

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  • Since brands pay upfront for the services, creators are paid within 30 days
  • Aims to simplify campaign management, performance tracking and payments

Shermaine Wong, co-founder and CEO of Cult Creative (Left) and Lina Esa, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Cult Creative

“Content creators are now the modern storytellers as they resonate with Gen Zs and millennials especially,” said Shermaine Wong, co-founder and CEO of Cult Creative. Consumers are always searching for experiences with different creators and types of content, she adds. 

According to a 2022 report by Cube Asia Research, Southeast Asia’s social commerce is estimated to be worth US$42 billion (RM186.65 billion)

In tandem, a report ‘E-commerce influencer marketing in Southeast Asia’ was published in Oct by Impact.com in collaboration with Cube Asia, revealing that by 2027, social commerce in the region could reach an impressive US$125 billion (RM555.49 billion)

Moreover, within the report, results of a survey consisting of 400 Malaysian adult respondents (above 18 years) indicate that celebrity and mega influencers hold significant sway over Malaysian consumers’ purchasing decisions by 62% and 61% respectively.

To address the rising demand of UCG, Cult Creative has beta launched its Creator Platform, – an all-in-one solution designed to streamline and optimise UGC marketing campaigns for content creators.

“Cult Creative’s efforts aim to position Malaysia as a regional hub for the creator economy with the launch of Creator Platform to tap into the growing trend of influencer-driven storytelling,” Shermaine said.

Lina Esa, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Cult Creative said that the creator economy is about building genuine connections. “Through the platform, we help brands grow their audiences, get the quality UGC that we can provide them, while ensuring creators have an easy way to manage their campaigns and scale their earnings.” 

In the last 12 months, Cult Creative has paid over US$157,514 (RM700,000) to 2,800 creators, with brand partnerships such as Grab, Hotlink, Astro, Farm Fresh and Marriot Bonvoy Group.

Emphasising its commitment to serve creators and assist them on the business side of matters, Cult Creative has emerged as one of the quickest paymasters in its space. “We are one of the only companies that pay creators within 30 days, whereas most of our competitors pay within three to six months, which is an industry standard,” said Shermaine. It is able to do this as brands pay upfront for the work they wish creators to deliver for them.

Furthermore, depending on a creator’s reliability and quality of work, creators can also obtain a form of certification known as “Cult Certified”, which allows them to obtain their earnings within 24 hours.

The platform operates on a pay-per-use model, charging brands for UGC campaigns based on creator engagement with additional services like activation fees, platform margins and support. 

Brands can also opt for annual agreements with continued platform use or tailored campaign management for more customised solutions.

Key features

While still in its beta stage, the platform’s key features include:

  • Professional Media Kits: Creators can automatically generate “media kits” that link their social media profiles and display relevant audience insights, such as engagement rate.
  • Discover New Campaigns: The Discovery page is where creators find their brand deals. To opt in for a campaign, creators can submit a text or video ‘pitch’ to get noticed. 
  • Personalised Campaign Matching: A data-matching algorithm connects creators with brands that align with their content and audience.
  • Automated Workflows: Admin such as creator agreements and creator invoices are done for them. Tasks are automatically generated to give time back to creators to stay creative.
  • Streamlined Communication: An integrated chat feature keeps all campaign-related conversations organised, which eliminates the need for multiple messaging platforms and switching between different chat groups.
  • Feedback Management: Creators can track changes and confirm drafts in one place to ensure efficient feedback processing.

The platform aims to simplify campaign management, performance tracking and payments that is aligned with Cult Creative’s mission to empower creators with tools to elevate content creation and brand partnerships.

Down the pipeline

It had taken ten months to build the platform with the tech support venture firm Nexea Ventures, which served as Cult Creative’s tech consultant. Nexea is an investor in Cult Creative.

Shermaine declined to disclose how much it has cost to build the platform.

However, when the tech collaboration with Nexea ends by January, Shermaine will grow Cult Creative’s in-house tech team.

Cult Creative expects its 2024 revenue to hit US$405,026 (RM1.8 million), a fivefold increase over 2023. 

Creators can sign up and try their hand at pitching for brand deals and earning through their content via www.cultcreativeasia.com.

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SME spending signals growing confidence among APAC Businesses: Instarem SME Spend Barometer

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In: Technology
  • SMEs are turning to online resources, AI, to tackle rising prices &amp, increase productivity
  • Malaysia &amp, Australia travel IT assets, with F&amp, B, IT &amp, technology solutions seeing biggest increases

SME spending signals growing confidence among APAC Businesses: Instarem SME Spend Barometer

Instarem, part of Nium, Southeast Asia’s payments unicorn, launched its 2024 SME Spend Barometer, revealing insights into the spending behaviours of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia. &nbsp,

Based on data from a test of 700 SMEs and some subjective interviews with customers, Instarem’s annual SME Spend Barometer record analysed spending patterns from January 2023 to August 2024, highlighting how SMEs are carefully investing in technology, infrastructure, and talent to react to an evolving financial landscape.

A determined method to growth
Trade payments increased by 6 %, indicating a meticulous yet positive outlook for global growth, thanks to Malaysia and Australia. In comparison, trade payments to Singapore decreased by 27 % year over year, indicating that local companies may be shifting their attention away from home goals in the face of rising costs and financial pressures. &nbsp,

Ashish Sangle, world Nose of Instarem, said:” Instarem has supported thousands of businesses in their development journeys over the years. Expanding internationally allows SMEs to gain access to wider user bases and exploit market opportunities for scale and growth. In today’s culture, a little caution is natural, but we anticipate that SMEs will continue to look for and exploit opportunities that are in line with their objectives.

Embracing AI and robotics
As evidenced by a 29 % increase in spending on data services over the same time period in 2023, the implementation of AI and digital change is accelerating across APAC. Malaysia and Australia are leading the charge in IT investments, with sectors like F&amp, B ( 120 % ), IT and software services ( 66 % ), and business consultancy ( 59 % ) registering the biggest gains. &nbsp,

In order to reduce rising costs and increase efficiency, several SMEs who were interviewed for the record are using AI, automation, and online tools. They are adopting process technology, AI-driven fraud detection, and advanced data analysis, among other alternatives to simplify businesses, minimise regular work, and optimise resources.

However, not every industry is embracing tech at the same rate, with financial services and business services cutting their information services spending by 42 % and 4 %, respectively.

SME spending signals growing confidence among APAC Businesses: Instarem SME Spend Barometer

Return to work picks up speed
SME employers in all three markets are reinvesting in physical infrastructure following years of hybrid or remote work, as evidenced by the 16 % increase in office expenses. Sectors like retail and wholesale, as well as business services, have seen office expenses rise by nearly 150 % and 70 %, respectively, suggesting a shift in how businesses are positioning themselves for long-term growth. This rise in commercial real estate demand also accounts for the more than doubled transaction volumes for real estate and leasing between 2023 and 2024.

These patterns are not universal, and some industries, like those in industrial manufacturing and construction (-48 % ), online retail (-44 % ), and telecommunications (-28 % ), are bucking the trend in favor of a more cautious strategy driven by market needs. &nbsp,

Our decision to invest in physical office spaces in Vietnam and the Philippines has been influenced by employee demand for in-office collaboration. By balancing these investments with our offshoring model, Net Fusion Technology’s group managing director George Votava said that while promoting greater collaboration and innovation, the company can better manage costs. &nbsp,

Balancing talent and growth
Despite broader economic pressures, SMEs are n’t scaling back on talent investments, with salary payments up 7 %. In Singapore, salary investments stayed flat, with some sectors, including media and marketing ( 13 % ) and business services ( 3 % ) even increasing their spending on third-parties ( external advisors ) to drive growth. This suggests a strategic shift to increase internal teams without significantly enlarging the field.

According to the country’s Wage Price Index and the 3.7 % increase in the National Minimum Wage, salary payments among SMEs in Australia have increased modestly ( 3 % ), indicating that businesses are placing a premium on retaining key talent while managing costs. &nbsp,

What’s ahead
These findings demonstrate that SMEs are putting their weight on high-impact investments, such as digital transformation, while using measured tactics elsewhere. Resources are still being put under pressure, though, due to challenges like fluctuating exchange rates and high processing costs.

” Managing costs is a top priority for SMEs, particularly in critical areas like talent and expansion”, said&nbsp, Sangle. ” Thinking strategically about payments can free up important resources for growth and prepare SMEs for long-term success,” according to the statement” not only help to reduce high cross-border fees and improve cash flow.”

For more insights, download Instarem’s 2024 SME Spend Barometer Report here.

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Equinix, National University of Singapore partner to explore sustainability and energy solutions for data centers

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In: Technology
  • Co-innovation hospital set to open in Q1 2027
  • Aims to test effective, reliable software with companions &amp, customers

Equinix, National University of Singapore partner to explore sustainability and energy solutions for data centers

Equinix, Inc., the world’s digital infrastructure company, and the Centre for Energy Research &amp, Technology ( CERT ) under the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering ( NUS CDE ), have announced plans to establish a Co-Innovation Facility ( CIF ) in Singapore. This program aims to accelerate the development and testing of modern answers for low-carbon power, high-efficiency heating, curvature, and energy efficiency in information areas. In accordance with conservation objectives, the Freight will determine how the digital infrastructure may develop in Singapore and other tropical areas.

Singapore’s digital economy has grown at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 13 % since 2017, contributing 17.3 % to GDP in 2022. The nation continues to grow as a global business and innovation hub with over US$ 340 million ( RM3.2 billion ) allocated for the development of artificial intelligence ( AI ) over the next five years. Data centers may adopt sustainable practices to efficiently manage energy consumption and processing needs as digital demands increase.

The CIF, set to open in Equinix’s upcoming SG6 International Business Exchange ™ ( IBX ) data centre, is part of Equinix’s Data Centre of the Future Initiative. It will serve as an empty study hub for global tech innovators, data center partners, education, and customers to test technologies focusing on consistency, power efficiency, and cost efficiency.

To address the rising computational demands of AI, Equinix has made an initial investment of US$ 4 million ( RM17.8 million ) in the CIF, which will look into innovations like integrating clean and renewable energy sources, alternative power sources, and liquid cooling. The service will even test Cognitive Digital Twin features, which will enable predicted maintenance and upgrades to address problems with the company’s recent data center models.

Lee May Leong, managing director, Singapore, Equinix, said:” The effects of climate change are being felt around the world, and it is becoming increasingly essential to embed best techniques in every aspect of our procedures. We are making a major step forward in advancing our” Potential First” sustainability agenda by reviving our successful Co-Innovation Service from Ashburn and expanding our creative efforts in the Asia-Pacific area.
She continued,” It may accelerate the development of cutting-edge technology and use practical solutions to help lessen the carbon footprint of the growing number of data centers worldwide.”

Professor Lee Poh Seng, producer, Centre for Energy Research &amp, Technology, NUS College of Design and Engineering, said:” The creation of the Co-Innovation Service highlights our commitment to forging effective business partnerships that convert groundbreaking research into functional uses. Working with Equinix allows us to draw on our knowledge of sustainability and power development to address pressing issues affecting data centers in humid climates.

” Collectively, we aim to redefine measures for functional efficiency and sustainability in digital equipment, aligning with Singapore’s interests for sustainable development and industrial leadership. This agreement is a powerful move ahead in shaping a prospect where cutting-edge development meets economic responsibility”, he added.

Important Features

  • To get opened in Q1 2027, the CIF did test lasting improvements for data areas, such as:
      Other energy options: Energy cells and battery storage can provide low-carbon energy solutions for data centres, serving as bi-directional network interfaces and on-site perfect and/or backup solutions.

    • Direct current power distribution system: This electrical power distribution architecture, known as medium voltage AC to low-voltage DC ( MVAC-LVDC ), facilitates the seamless integration of battery energy storage systems, solar photovoltaics, and other renewable energy sources with data centre power distribution networks. It has the potential to enhance grid-side power quality, efficiency, and power density for data centres.
    • This cutting-edge cooling technique optimizes space while reducing energy consumption and noise. By allowing circular data center models, it also increases the possibility of recycling leftover heat.
    • Digital twin capabilities: Data-driven models and machine learning will be utilised to enable predictive maintenance and upgrades.

Equinix and NUS have long supported Singapore’s sustainability goals and implemented a number of initiatives, including scholarships for NUS students interested in finding solutions based on nature-based climate change. In 2022, Equinix, together with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and CERT, both under NUS CDE, collaborated to explore hydrogen-based green fuel technologies for mission-critical data centre infrastructure.

The study compared PEM fuel cells and fuel-flexible linear generators, highlighting their efficiency and potential as backup power solutions, particularly in tropical climates. In 2023, the results were released.

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