What is multimodal AI?
Multimodal AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can understand and process different types of information, such as text, images, audio, and video, all at the same time. Multimodal gen AI models produce outputs based on these various inputs. When you wake up in the morning, you reorient yourself […]
Can reading the news make you richer?
Researchers have uncovered a novel way to forecast stock market volatility using daily business news. Business news can do more than report on financial markets; it can predict where they’re headed. That’s the finding from a new study by University of Auckland finance lecturer Dr Justin J. Case and Queensland […]
Tech Council of Australia and techUK sign landmark partnership
The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and techUK have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in technology industry collaboration between Australia and the United Kingdom. Signed during London Tech Week at the UK Department for Business and Trade in the Old Admiralty Building and […]
The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
By Helen Lewis Unsettling, amusing, and prescient; a much-needed audit of a consuming idea. This is a study of how the measurement and indulgence of “genius” has changed over time. Over the past couple of centuries, the boundaries of genius have been used to justify eugenics, consolidate power, and excuse […]
Your Life Is Manufactured: How We Make Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better
By Tim Minshall We live in a manufactured world. Unless you are floating naked through space, you are right now in direct contact with multiple manufactured products. How often do we stop to think: where do the things we buy actually come from? There exists a nearly invisible, awe-inspiring global […]
R.PACK Software Suite: The next step in efficiency and control
RECIF Technologies has launched R.PACK, the next-generation software suite designed for RECIF sorters. With an emphasis on usability, efficiency, and innovation, R.PACK introduces a suite of advanced features aimed at simplifying the management of wafer sorting equipment. Built for Speed, Designed for Precision R.PACK enhances operational efficiency for users of […]
Rugged devices drive innovation in harsh industrial environments
Manufacturing environments expose both equipment and processes to constant stress. Heat, vibration, airborne particulates, moisture, and noise all affect how people work and how well operations run. Even in these tough conditions, manufacturers push to improve speed, accuracy and system responsiveness. Rugged devices support these efforts by reducing delays, improving […]
Open source technology in the age of AI
With more organisations deploying gen AI across business functions, a new survey finds that leaders are increasingly turning to open source AI solutions to build out their tech stacks. Open source software has long been a critical part of the technology ecosystem. Commercial software typically requires a commercial license or subscription […]
Trillions to be unlocked in sustainable investment opportunities in Asia
Asia’s robust economic fundamentals present significant opportunities for scaling financing into sustainable development projects, even amid geopolitical headwinds and trade tensions, said policy and business leaders at the inaugural Hong Kong edition of Unlocking capital for sustainability. Against the backdrop of increasing global polarisation and accelerating climate change, Asia […]
Trump’s tariff: A test to Malaysia’s trade resilience
Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das is a Senior Lecturer for the School of Accounting and Finance at Taylor’s Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University. Taylor’s Business School is the leading private business school in Southeast Asia for Business and Management Studies based on the 2025 QS World […]
Smarter growth, lower risk: Rethinking how new factories are built
A tailored, thoughtful combination of cutting-edge technologies, stronger contracting skills, and deep supply chain capabilities can get a new factory up and running—without costly delays. Today’s environment is giving manufacturers even more reasons to reassess their footprint strategies. For some, localisation of production may now seem increasingly attractive—particularly amid rising volatility […]
Zenno Astronautics and ANA Trading rollout superconducting space technologies in Japan
New Zealand-headquartered Zenno Astronautics (Zenno), the space superconductor company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ANA Trading to deploy Zenno’s superconducting technologies for space applications in the Japanese market. ANA Trading is a member of ANA Group, Japan’s leading airline group. With the slogan “Next Stop, Space”, ANA Group has […]
Masdar City’s Net-Zero Model Sets Sustainability Benchmark, but AI Holds Key for Aging Cities, Experts Claim
A new white paper from Masdar City highlights the UAE’s leadership in net-zero urban development. Energy experts say that net-zero strategies could also be applied to most cities worldwide, even when the biggest challenge is in retrofitting old existing buildings. Built as a purpose-driven net-zero city, Masdar eliminates the need for future retrofits by integrating energy efficiency from the start. However, decarbonization remains a challenge for most cities worldwide, where most buildings are decades old. Experts argue that AI-driven energy management could provide a viable solution, optimizing real-time energy use in existing infrastructure without the financial burden of deep renovations. “Masdar City demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability is built into urban planning from the ground up,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company that implements AI-based energy efficiency tools in commercial buildings. “But most of the world’s cities don’t have that luxury. The question is: how do we bring net-zero strategies to older buildings without breaking budgets? AI is the most practical answer.” Buildings account for 40% of the EU’s final energy consumption and contribute 36% of its energy-related emissions. In Europe alone, 75% of buildings were constructed before 2000 and remain energy-inefficient, with 85-95% expected to still be in use by 2050–the net-zero deadline. This pattern is reflected globally, particularly in dense urban areas where outdated infrastructure dominates city skylines. While Masdar’s white paper highlights the importance of renewable energy, smart grids, and green building certifications like LEED, these approaches favor new developments and regions with access to significant capital. According to Karčiauskas, for cities with aging infrastructure, the challenge lies in improving operational efficiency rather than rebuilding from scratch. “Certifications like LEED are useful for ensuring new buildings meet sustainability benchmarks,” he noted. “But they don’t address how older buildings actually operate. Without real-time energy monitoring, sustainability […]