Vietnam’s high-risk AI rules take effect on 15 August
Decision 33 classifies 46 AI systems across six fields as high risk, putting human oversight and transition deadlines on the operating agenda for technology providers and deployers.
Southeast Asia Connect
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Named and dated developments across Southeast Asia.
AI Factory strengthens Indonesia's position as regional AI hub : Govt
A planned computing hub aims to expand the country’s AI capacity, services and locally developed language models.
Prabowo plans more funding for research and innovation
The president says research and development investment is inadequate and points to budget savings, stronger governance and anti-corruption efforts as possible sources of additional funding.
Nucleus Software and FPT bring new lending platforms to Vietnam
The partners launched updated lending and transaction-banking platforms in Hanoi as Vietnamese banks weigh artificial intelligence, risk and operating resilience.
MetaOptics redirects attention from Nasdaq to metalens production
The Singapore optics company has withdrawn its Nasdaq application while prioritising purchase orders, production capacity and customer qualification.
Lazada and adidas turn a shoe launch into a six-market commerce test
The regional launch combines official-store distribution with running-community events across Southeast Asia, testing how ecommerce platforms connect digital demand with local participation.
Acrab raises US$130 million to commercialise agentic AI compute
The Singapore company says its Series B will fund product scaling, ecosystem expansion and the next generation of its edge artificial-intelligence platform.
Thryve’s carbon offtakes bring climate finance to 6,000 hectares of Sulawesi restoration
Investment certainty from forward commitments covering 635,000 tonnes supports an agroforestry project with technology-enabled monitoring in Indonesia.
Vietnam shifts its national technology strategy from plans to measurable results
Resolution 57 is Vietnam’s national programme for science, innovation and digital transformation. Officials now want projects judged by adoption, commercialisation and measurable impact.
Central Visayas showcases science-based local innovation
DOST’s Central Visayas report points to homegrown technologies aimed at practical community problems.
Marcos highlights DOST-backed boat innovation in SONA
The M/B Dalaray mention puts a local maritime innovation into a national growth narrative.
Northern Mindanao opens HIRAYA research collaboration hub
The HIRAYA hub is positioned as a connector for researchers, local institutions and potential innovation partners.