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AI 'kill switch' may need to be mandatory, Anthropic co-founder says
Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark stated that a mandatory, third-party verifiable "kill switch" for artificial intelligence systems may be necessary. Clark is one of seven founders of Anthropic, one of the world's largest AI firms. This proposal aims to ensure external oversight and control over advanced AI. It addresses growing concerns about AI safety and autonomous decision-making. The discussion points to increased regulatory scrutiny for major AI developers.
CNC Machines — Is Bharat Conquering?
Bengaluru-based Ethereal Machines has raised $28.5 million to expand its high-precision CNC manufacturing capabilities. The company plans a 300,000-square-foot facility and will develop an indigenous multi-axis CNC controller. Bharat currently imports approximately $1.2 billion of the $2.2 billion worth of CNC machines it consumes annually. Ethereal aims to reduce this dependence by producing advanced four- and five-axis machines and components domestically. Its Machining-as-a-Service model already generates nearly 70 percent of its revenue from exports.
NYC’s wealthy Chinese grapple with Beijing’s tax rules as enforcement deadline nears
Beijing’s new tax rules for offshore trusts are impacting wealthy Chinese residents globally, including New York City. The regulations, effective July 24, impose a 20 percent tax on realized gains from property or shares transferred into offshore trusts. An annual tax on trust income also applies. A 90-day grace period, ending October 22, allows declarations for liabilities dating back to January 1, 2023 without penalties. Affluent families are now reviewing their cross-border wealth holdings.
A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya is a startup from a former Spotify leader for making music apps
Former Spotify innovation head Máuhan M. Zonoozy launched A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya, a startup developing experimental music creation apps. The company secured $5.5 million in a pre-seed round from investors including Mantis VC and SV Angel. Zonoozy aims to shift music interaction from consumption to creation, empowering users to play with sounds and vocals. The startup offers various small apps, like Speed Surfer and Stacks, with a more ambitious iOS app called bop. It focuses on human interaction over pure AI generation, though it recently added a prompt-based feature.
Modi draws red lines on tech, critical minerals as BRICS shapes a more resilient global order
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 18th BRICS Summit, cautioning against the "weaponisation" of technology and critical minerals. He advocated for a more resilient global order, emphasizing the need for robust supply chains and early-warning systems among BRICS nations. India is pushing an action-oriented agenda, promoting inclusive technology that benefits startups, farmers, researchers, women, and youth. This people-centric vision aims for "win-win collaboration" within the BRICS framework, while India also deepens strategic engagements with countries like the Philippines and Kazakhstan.
US defense tech startup anchors production in PH
US defense tech startup Atlas Motion Systems will quadruple its monthly motor production in the Philippines. The company currently produces 10,000 motors per month at its Philippine facility. These motors are used in defense drones and robotics. The Philippines now serves as Atlas Motion Systems' first and only global manufacturing base.
Veteran investor Fang Fenglei on why the China ‘investibility’ debate is no debate at all
Veteran investor Fang Fenglei asserts that arguments against investing in China are unfounded. Fang, who helped establish China International Capital Corp (CICC) with Morgan Stanley, has profoundly influenced China's capital markets over three decades. He also led the listing of state-owned enterprises in Hong Kong as CEO of Bank of China International. Now chairman of Hopu Investments, Fang discusses China's investment landscape, the AI race, and diversification from US dollar assets.
Samsung reportedly considers early ‘Galaxy Z TriFold 2’ release in wake of iPhone Duo
Samsung is reportedly considering an early release for its Galaxy Z TriFold 2. The consideration follows Apple's iPhone Duo reveal. The original TriFold launched in the US for $2,900 in January and was discontinued three months later. Rumors suggest the TriFold 2 could be thinner, lighter, and more durable, with a price target of nearly identical to the first generation.
Cyber insurance gains ground in Singapore as coverage widens, premiums fall
Cyber insurance adoption is increasing in Singapore, driven by rising scam attempts and sophisticated AI-enabled attacks. US-headquartered Markel saw its policies grow between 56 percent and 125 percent in 2023 and 2024. Regional insurer QBE Asia sold 25 percent to 30 percent more policies from 2024 to 2026. This growing demand extends beyond financial firms to manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors.
‘Window for demographic dividend gain narrowing’
The Philippines faces a narrowing window to capitalize on its young workforce, according to Metrobank Wealth Insights. The country's fertility rate has fallen to 1.7 children per woman, below the 2.1 replacement level. This decline from 4.1 children per woman in 1993 threatens the potential for a demographic dividend. Metrobank stresses the need for significant investment in human capital and productivity improvements to mitigate this shift.
Should engineers leave smart driving for China’s robotics boom?
China's smart driving engineers are increasingly migrating to robotics companies, driven by higher salaries and greater opportunities for professional advancement. This talent rush, which began in 2024, saw some engineers triple their salaries at its peak, though a 50% increase is now more typical. Companies like Xpeng and Li Auto have seen significant departures, with former employees like Sun Xinyang and Lu Yuan moving to embodied intelligence startups. The shift reflects a perceived saturation in smart driving and the nascent, high-potential growth of the robotics sector, which recorded 288 funding deals totaling over RMB 46 billion (USD 6.8 billion) in the first half of 2026.
TP Opens New Johor Bahru Operations Center As A Nearshore Hub For Singapore & Southeast Asia
TP has opened a new operations center in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This expansion beyond Kuala Lumpur and Penang establishes a nearshore hub for Singapore and Southeast Asia. The facility is located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and will initially support a global e-commerce company. Malaysia's Ministry of Digital reports 749 GBS companies, with industry revenue projected to reach RM28.14 billion.
Forging a resilient Philippine economy in the age of shocks
The Philippine economy saw GDP growth slow to 4.4% in 2025 and further to 2.3% by Q2 2026. This decline stems from a flood control corruption scandal, which impacted state spending and investor confidence, and global energy shocks from geopolitical issues. The government has lowered its 2026 growth target to 3.5%-4.5% from 5%-6%, with inflation forecasts now at 6%-7%. These figures exceed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2%-4% tolerance band.
PHL must strengthen supply chains to benefit from ASEAN digital deal
The Philippines must strengthen its domestic industries and supply chains to fully benefit from the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Analysts warn that without these improvements, the Philippines risks becoming primarily a consumer market for regional digital services rather than a producer. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. highlighted DEFA on July 27 as a response to economic shocks, aiming to harmonize digital rules and expand financial inclusion. The agreement, finalized in May, could generate $2 trillion for the region's digital economy if implemented effectively.
PRC-Saltillo Unveils Genesis Communication Devices, Opening New Possibilities for AAC Communicators Worldwide
PRC-Saltillo, an employee-owned US company, launched its Genesis communication device line globally on September 14, 2026. The new Windows-based devices, Genesis 13 and Genesis 16, target adults, teens, and children with complex communication needs. These devices offer customizable access methods, including advanced eye tracking and head tracking. PRC-Saltillo has subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
World : 18th BRICS Summit Outlines New Mechanisms For Cooperation In Technology, Security, Economy
The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit established new mechanisms for technology, security, and economic cooperation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced agreements to create an integrated system for responding to infectious disease outbreaks. BRICS will also launch a network linking startups and incubators, and has proposed a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. These initiatives aim to benefit the wider Global South.
Iran's economic ties to Dubai hard to break despite war
Despite recent geopolitical tensions and the UAE's announcement of suspended trade with Tehran, economic ties between Dubai and Iran remain robust. Iranian merchants in old Dubai continue to source goods like saffron, cumin, pistachios, and almonds, often via Omani ports, circumventing official restrictions. The UAE was Iran's primary entry point for goods in 2024, accounting for over 30 percent of imports valued at $21 billion, and its third-largest customer, absorbing nearly 12 percent of exports worth over $7 billion. Dubai's large Iranian community and its role as a financial hub for Iranian businesses underscore the deep-rooted commercial relationship, which has persisted through various periods of US sanctions and regional instability.
Anwar: No country should have to choose between repaying debt and caring for its people
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advocated for a more equitable global financing system at the 18th Brics Leaders Summit in New Delhi. He asserted that developing nations should not be forced to choose between debt repayment and providing essential services to their citizens, noting that some countries spend more on interest than on education or healthcare. Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia's Finance Minister, emphasized that financing mechanisms must be fit for purpose, ensuring that meeting basic needs does not lead to unsustainable debt. He called for progress on initiatives like the New Development Bank and local currency settlement, while also highlighting the potential of Islamic capital markets to support inclusive global growth.
Beyond UMIC: The struggle to make the Philippines more attractive to foreign investors
The Philippines achieved upper-middle income country (UMIC) status in 2025, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,850. This classification by the World Bank positions the country to attract more foreign investment. Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque stated the government aims to make the Philippines a hub for innovative and sustainable industries. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, however, fell to a five-year low of $7.791 billion in 2025, a 17.1% drop from 2024.
Philippines’ current account gap likely to widen on oil pressures
The Philippines' current account deficit is projected to widen to approximately -4% of GDP this year, according to Pantheon Macroeconomics. This follows a -3.3% deficit last year, which totaled $16.3 billion. The deficit expanded to $8.968 billion, or -7.3% of GDP, in the second quarter, a 60.69% increase from the prior year. Elevated oil prices due to the Middle East war are inflating import bills, while slowing remittances also contribute to the widening gap.
BAIC rolls out new warranty package
BAIC Philippines is expanding its vehicle ownership package. The company now offers a five-year warranty for vehicles and an eight-year high-voltage battery coverage for new-energy models. Customers also receive three years of free roadside assistance. This move aims to strengthen BAIC's position in the Philippine automotive market.
AIIB eyes new platform to pool private capital for Asia’s US$1.7tr infrastructure needs
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is developing a new platform to attract institutional investors for infrastructure projects across Asia. This initiative aims to significantly increase the private capital mobilized by the bank, moving beyond its current US$17.5 billion. The platform will allow insurers, pension funds, and other institutional investors to co-invest in infrastructure debt on a programmatic basis. AIIB Chief Investment Officer Kim-See Lim stated that further details are expected within six to nine months, following a joint conference with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
IonOpticks launches Aurora Series® 5 and new CoreJetTM emitter technology, advancing robust nano-LC for routine proteomics research.
IonOpticks launched its Aurora Series 5 and CoreJet emitter technology. This release aims to improve nano-LC robustness for routine proteomics research. The new CoreJet integrated emitter and redesigned nanoZero union are designed to lower cost per sample. Researchers will see no compromise in depth or sensitivity. The company is based in Melbourne, Australia.
Hong Kong to deepen ties with Global South and Middle East, finance chief says
Hong Kong plans to strengthen its economic connections with emerging economies in the Middle East and countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated the city will build "networked and institutionalised" links with the Global South, encompassing developing nations primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These efforts will span various sectors, from finance to innovation and technology. Chan highlighted the country's 15th five-year plan, which supports Hong Kong's development as an international innovation and technology center and a global hub for finance, shipping, and trade. The initiative also includes cooperation on green transition, focusing on aligning standards and rules to facilitate green finance investments in the Global South.