Pac Tech Pulse: September 2025

Newsletter by Erin L. Murphy and Aryan D'Rozario

Published October 9, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Australia publishes its AI Technical Standard. The country's Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) on July 31 published an AI technical standard for the government, along with 'GovAI,' a platform designed to foster collaborative use of the technology across departments. The new technical standard sets out technical requirements for AI systems across their full lifecycle, from initial design to monitoring and to decommissioning.

Source: Global Government Forum

In detail: Digital Transformation Agency PublicationAustralian Government AI technical Standard

Date: August 06, 2025

China releases guidance on its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plus Initiative. The guidelines, issued by the country's State Council, aim to promote the in-depth integration of AI and various industries, vowing to achieve extensive and deep integration of AI in areas including science and technology, industrial development, and governance by 2027. The guideline stipulated that by 2027, next-generation intelligent terminals adoption should exceed 70 percent while the scale of core industries in AI should achieve a high growth rate.

Source: Global Times

In detail: Press Release

Source: August 27, 2025

Indonesia releases a White Paper on National AI Roadmap. The paper, released by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, is structured as a guide for targeted, inclusive, and ethical AI policies. The White Paper on the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap sets out policy directions, development priorities and financing models for the country's AI landscape till 2045.

Source: Govt Insider

In detail: National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Date: September 02, 2025

Malaysia's central bank announces AI Financial Regulation Framework and Open Finance, Tokenization Policies. The regulatory framework addresses a global challenge facing central banks from Singapore to the European Union, where policymakers balance innovation with financial stability as AI adoption accelerates in the sector.

Source: Techwire Asia

Date: August 07, 2025

New Zealand publishes a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The strategy aims to drive AI adoption across the economy.

Source: Global Government Forum

In detail: Press Release

Date: July 08, 2025

New Zealand launches the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. The public research organization is tasked with "supercharging" the country's economy through advanced technology with a focus on turning technologies like AI and quantum computing into commercial successes. The Institute will first be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before becoming an independent entity when legislation comes into effect in July 2026.

Source: Radio New Zealand

In detail: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Date: July 18, 2025

Pakistan announces its National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The policy aims to develop AI infrastructure, train people in related skills and ensure responsible, ethical use of the technology in line with global standards.

Source: Arab News

In detail: National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 (Analysis by Digital Rights Foundation)

Date: August 13, 2025

South Korea's State Affairs Planning Committee announces Five-Year Plan. The plan intends to build an "AI highway" across sectors and regions. A new national AI control tower will be set up to coordinate policies across ministries.

Source: Korea Times

Date: August 13, 2025

South Korea establishes the National AI Strategy Committee. The committee aims to strengthen governance and accelerate innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). The committee will set Korea's national AI vision, define medium- to long-term strategies, and drive policies that aim to position the country among the world's top three AI leaders.

Source: Telecom Review Asia

Date: September 02, 2025

South Korea launches alliance to promote research in Physical AI Sector. The alliance, spearheaded by the Ministry of Science and ICT, is comprised of institutes and businesses focusing on physical AI such as humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles. The launch came as part of the government's vision to make Korea one of the world's top three AI powerhouses, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. Physical AI refers to systems in which AI programs can analyze their surroundings to make decisions and take action.

Source: Korea Times

Date: September 29, 2025

Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade approves Three-Year AI Program. The program aims to strengthen the domestic market, encourage consumption, and advance the "Vietnamese people prioritizing Vietnamese goods" campaign, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the national supply and consumption network. The initiative targets modern, sustainable market development while promoting local products through nationwide campaigns and marketing activities.

Source: TV brics

Date: August 16, 2025

Data Centers

Australia mandates an Energy Rating. As of July 1, all data centers hosting federal workloads are required to meet a minimum 5-star National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy rating under the Australian Government's Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy.

Source: Technology Decision

Date: July 25, 2025

China mandates Manufacturing Standards for Data Centers. The country has mandated that publicly owned data centers source at least 50 percent of their chips from domestic manufacturers. This directive, initially introduced in Shanghai in March 2024, has now been implemented nationwide, reflecting China's strategic push towards semiconductor self-sufficiency.

Source: Business Insight

Date: August 25, 2025

China releases Action Plan to Stabilize Growth in the Electronic Information Manufacturing Industry from 2025 to 2026. From 2025 to 2026, the average growth rate of added value in the computer, communication, and other electronic equipment manufacturing industries is expected to be around 7 percent, according to the action plan released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Source: China.org

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 04, 2025

Singapore launches new Standard to Support Data Center Operators. The standard - SS 715:2025: Energy Efficiency of Data Center IT Equipment - aims to save energy consumption of IT equipment in data centers by at least 30 percent. The government said it was one of the first in the world to introduce data center standards for IT energy efficiency in the tropics.

Source: Data Center Dynamics

In detail: Infocomm Media Development Authority Press release

Date: August 26, 2025

South Korea's data protection authority releases comprehensive guidelines for Processing Publicly Available Data in AI Development. The Personal Information Protection Commission of South Korea unveiled draft guidelines in August 2025 addressing personal data processing for generative artificial intelligence development and services. According to the commission, these guidelines aim to clarify legal uncertainties while enhancing privacy protection for individuals in the context of AI training using publicly available data.

Source: PPC Land

Date: August 07, 2025

Vietnam deploys NDAChain, its National Blockchain Platform. Developed by the National Data Association and operated by the Data Innovation and Exploitation Center (under the National Data Center, Ministry of Public Security), NDAChain is positioned as the foundational layer of data verification for government and private sector systems.

Source: PR Newswire

Date: July 25, 2025

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has launched National Data Center No.1. According to the Ministry, the national data center was constructed to meet high domestic and international standards in infrastructure, security, and environmental protection, including green energy practices. National Data Center No.1 looks to provide modern, synchronized, and highly secure cloud infrastructure for government agencies and organizations and help prevent redundancy and waste.

Source: Vietnamnet

Date: August 18, 2025

Energy Technology

Australia announces its 2035 Emission Target. The country also released the Net Zero Plan, along with a series of supporting documents, which outline how the country will achieve these targets.

Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy and Environment

In detail: Australia's Net Zero Plan

Date: September 18, 2025

Australia issues draft Research and Demonstration License Guideline in Offshore Wind Zones. The new guidance helps developers, researchers, scientists and other interested parties apply for research and demonstration licenses in declared offshore wind zones. The government has identified six priority areas in Australia for offshore wind: the Hunter and Illawarra regions in New South Wales, Gippsland and the Southern Ocean in Victoria, the Bass Strait in Tasmania, and in the Indian Ocean off Bunbury in Western Australia.

Source: Energy Source & Distribution

In detail: Draft Research and Demonstration Licence Guideline

Date: August 22, 2025

China unveils guidelines to accelerate Green and Low-Carbon Transition and Strengthen the Construction of the National Carbon Trading Market. The guidelines state that by 2027, the country's carbon trading market will encompass all major industrial sectors, and the national voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market will expand to include all key fields. By 2030, China will have essentially established a national carbon trading market based on a cap-and-trade system with both free and paid allocations.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: August 25, 2025

China releases a plan to speed up the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its Energy Sector. The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, sets a goal of establishing a basic innovation system for AI-energy integration by 2027, while achieving major breakthroughs in AI-driven technologies in the sector.

Source: Global Times

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 08, 2025

China unveils plan to promote a New Type of Energy Storage between 2025 and 2027. The plan outlines 21 key measures, including scaling up energy storage applications in power plants and the grid, accelerating tech innovation, and improving standardization. It also emphasizes talent development and international cooperation in the sector. The move is part of China's broader push toward a green, low-carbon energy source as well as high-quality development.

Source: CGTN

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 12, 2025

China introduces a two-year Action Plan to Accelerate the Growth of its Power Equipment Industry. The move comes in response to a global shift toward low-carbon energy and China's own push to build a new power system form. Key measures listed in the plan include spurring wind power and other new energy equipment, advancing innovation in new energy storage technologies, expediting the construction of large onshore wind and photovoltaic bases, and eliminating outdated coal-fired capacity.

Source: China.org

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 12, 2025

Hong Kong announces Energy Efficiency Grading Standards for Refrigerating Appliances. The standards, released by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, apply to washing machines and storage type electric water heaters under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) and will be fully implemented on September 30. The new standards aim to encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient models and help consumers select such products.

Source: Press Release

Date: September 26, 2025

India releases revised guidelines for Pilot Projects using Green Hydrogen. The guidelines, released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revise program guidelines for the implementation of pilot projects using green hydrogen and its derivatives in the residential, commercial, and decentralized sectors that were previously not mentioned in earlier programs. The revised guidelines focus on deploying green hydrogen in off-grid, localized, community-based applications. Decentralized production models using rooftop solar, small or micro hydropower, floating solar, biomass, and wastewater will be key features of the pilot projects.

Source: Mercom

In detail: Scheme Guidelines for the implementation of pilot projects using Green Hydrogen

Date: August 04, 2025

India releases draft Guidelines for Storage Battery Testing. The guidelines, released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), mandates compulsory registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Solar Systems, Devices and Component Goods Order, 2025. The guidelines aim to facilitate manufacturers and test laboratories in developing a series of products for approving product families. The framework applies to lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries for portable and industrial applications, as well as nickel-based batteries.

Source: Mercom

In detail: Draft Guidelines for Storage Battery Testing

Date: September 30, 2025

India announces reforms to the Good and Services Tax (GST). The GST Council has reduced tax rates from 12 percent to 5 percent on solar cells, biogas plants, and windmill equipment.

Source: Livemint

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 04, 2025

India notifies National Policy on Geothermal Energy. The policy, issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), reinforces efforts for energy transition and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The newly unveiled policy "provides a comprehensive framework to promote exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal energy in India," said a statement from the ministry.

Source: Livemint

In detail: National Policy on Geothermal Energy

Date: September 17, 2025

Thailand proposes Key Policies on Renewable Energy. The Minister of Energy, unveiled a slate of initiatives to be undertaken over the next four months, including community solar farms with a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatts solar-powered water pumps for farms, and direct power purchase agreements to facilitate transactions between clean energy producers and end-users.

Source: Kaohoon International

Date: September 30, 2025

Thailand approves Tax Incentives for Energy Conservation. The comprehensive set of tax incentive measures aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among households and businesses. The initiatives, proposed by the Ministry of Energy, form a key part of Thailand's climate roadmap targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. The approved incentives include tax deductions for investments in energy-efficient equipment and rooftop solar installations and are expected to significantly lower energy costs while stimulating economic activity.

Source: Solar Quarter

Date: July 10, 2025

Vietnam publishes feed-in tariffs (FiTs) in its revised Power Development Plan 8 (PDP 8). Vietnam generates a significant part of its electricity from coal and gas-based thermal power plants, as well as from a vast number of hydropower plants. To alleviate the climate change effects of thermal power generation, its government is turning towards renewable power generation sources.

Source: Power Technology

In detail: Revised Power Development Plan 8 (PDP 8)

Date: August 13, 2025

Medical Technology

Australia launches Genomics Australia. Genomics Australia is a new national-level body established by Australia to lead and coordinate the integration of genomics into the health system. The country also appointed a new Australian Health Genomics Commissioner.

Source: KWM Pulse

In detail: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Date: August 19, 2025

China releases its Regulation to Support Innovative Development of High-End Medical Devices. Released by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the policy outlines 10 regulatory measures aimed at accelerating the development and approval of domestically pioneered and internationally competitive medical technologies, including AI-powered devices and medical robots.

Source: China-Briefing

In detail: Policy

Date: July 03, 2025

China releases Standards for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Medical Devices. The standards, released by the country's National Medical Products Administration establishes a systematic terminology framework for medical equipment based on the BCI technology. It defines core terms and concepts related to fundamental principles, paradigm types, signal forms, signal processing and applications of the technology.

Source: China Daily

Date: September 17, 2025

China and Malaysia ink deal to provide Access to Medical Markets. Regulatory agencies in China and Malaysia have started a pilot program that will grant companies based in each country access to accelerated paths to market for medical devices. The reciprocal agreement has two components: China-based manufacturers of certain medical devices can use Malaysia's verification pathway and Malaysia-based manufacturers of certain medical devices can use China's green channel. Both the pathway and channel reduce review times. A pilot assessment of the regulatory reliance program started on July 30 and will run through September 30.

Source: Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS)

In detail: Medical Device Authority Malaysia Announcement

Date: August 11, 2025

Malaysia's Medical Device Authority MDA announces membership in the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). From the announcement date onward, medical device manufacturers and authorized representatives can utilize MDSAP certificates and audit reports to expedite pre-market approval submission to the MDA. Previously, the submission of an ISO 13485 certificate was accepted as documentation for the quality management system; however, now manufacturers holding MDSAP certification can use it for approval review document submissions.

Source: JNM Global

In detail: Medical Device Authority (MDA), Ministry of Health Malaysia

Date: September 23, 2025

Pakistan launches a digital system for the Licensing and Registration of Medical Devices. The system aims to be transparent and efficient.

Source: Profit

Date: July 21, 2025

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

Bangladesh restructures its core Drug Regulatory Committees. The restructuring excludes pharmaceutical industry representatives. The restructure follows growing criticism that drug companies exerted undue control over key regulatory processes, including medicine approvals, pricing, and safety oversight.

Source: Daily-Sun

Date: July 31, 2025

China accelerates establishment of Biopharmaceutical Industrial Chain. The State Council approved a plan to accelerate the opening-up and innovation of the entire chain in the Jiangsu pilot free trade zone (FTZ), according to the Ministry of Commerce. By 2030, Jiangsu's biopharmaceutical industry is expected to see major growth in terms of its scale, stronger innovation ecosystems, a more modernized industrial chain, and distinctive industrial clusters in key fields such as macromolecular biologics, cell and gene therapy, and innovative medical devices.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: August 27, 2025

India amends the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMC) 2024 and the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024. These amendments, issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, simplify disclosure of marketing expenditure and sample valuation by shifting reporting from government portals to industry associations, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the pharmaceutical sector.

Source: SCC Times

In detail: Amendment to the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices 2024; Amendment to the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices 2024

Date: September 03, 2025

India announces reforms to the Good and Services Tax (GST). The reforms introduce a new two-tier taxation structure - 5 percent and 18 percent, and a special tax of 40 percent for specific items like medical devices and renewable energy products. The reforms came into effect from September 22, 2025.

Source: Business Standard

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 04, 2025

India releases guidelines on Review of Drugs, Medical Devices and Biologics. This policy is aimed at fixing problems of unclear and inconsistent approvals that have previously slowed down drug launches and weakened the pharmaceutical industry's trust in the system. These new rules, issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), are designed to improve how India regulates new medical products. The goal is to make the approval process quicker, more transparent, and predictable, the news report said.

Source: Business Standard

Date: August 02, 2025

India streamlines Manufacturer Guidelines for Vaccines, Recombinant DNA, and Biological Product Development. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a circular announcing that approvals granted by Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC) will now be accepted for seeking permission to manufacture test items for examination, testing, and analysis through Form CT-10, in cases where the test item is generated using Category I and Category II GE Experiments as defined in the Regulations and Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research and Biocontainment, 2017.

Source: Medical Dialogues

In detail: Circular

Date: September 10,2025

Malaysia introduces Biotechnology Ethics Guidelines. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) led the establishment of this vital framework, which comprises 15 core ethical principles for biotechnology in Malaysia. These include respect for autonomy, human dignity and human rights, social responsibility, safeguarding bio-sovereignty, sustainability, and the protection of future generations.

Source: Bernama

Date: September 09, 2025

Aerospace/Aerospace Technology

China bans the export of dual-use items to eight Taiwan-based Aerospace and Shipbuilding Companies. The move, announced by China's Ministry of Commerce, was described by the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) as a "stern warning against repeated provocations by separatist forces".

Source: SCMP

Date: July 09, 2025

India announces reforms to the Good and Services Tax (GST). The tax on several weapons, military aircraft, and equipment has been abolished. Additionally, the tax on drones has been slashed from 28 percent to 5 percent. Many weapons that were earlier taxed at 18 percent have now been moved to the Nil GST category.

Source: India Today

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 04, 2025

Japan unveils Defense Plan for Outer Space. The new space domain defense guidelines unveiled by the Defense Ministry in Tokyo outline plans to protect Japanese satellites and promote cooperation between the public and private sectors on cutting-edge tech.

Source: Japan Times

In detail: Space domain defense guidelines (in Japanese)

Date: July 29, 2025

Pakistan publishes draft Space Regulatory Framework. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB), the central body responsible for overseeing space-related matters, has circulated the draft among key government entities for consultation and review.

Source: Pakistan Tribune

Date: August 07, 2025

Foreign Direct Investment

China releases guidance on a new Tax Credit Policy. The policy aims to encourage foreign investors to reinvest their profits in the country, as it steps up efforts to stabilize foreign capital inflows and boost long-term investment amid rising global economic uncertainties. The State Taxation Administration released a new notice clarifying how foreign investors can apply for and use tax credits when they reinvest their distributable profits into Chinese companies.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: August 06, 2025

China announces Facilitation Policies for Cross-Border Investment, Financing, and Forex Management. The policies cover areas such as foreign direct investment (FDI), corporate cross-border financing, and forex settlement and payment for overseas individuals purchasing property on the Chinese mainland, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: September 16, 2025

Semiconductors

The Philippines establishes the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (SEI) Advisory Council. The council is tasked with guiding the creation and implementation of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (PSEI) Roadmap, which aims to solidify the country's foothold in global supply chains and enhance its competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.

Source: Good Electronics

In detail: Administrative Order No. 31

Date: July 17, 2025

Taiwan and the United Kingdom inked a deal that would pave the way for bilateral collaboration for Talent Development in the Semiconductor Sector. In a new release issued, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the Taiwan-U.K. Memorandum of Understanding on the Semiconductor Joint Skills Project was signed during a ceremony in Taipei.

Source: Focus Taiwan

Date: September 12, 2025

Vietnam announces updates on strategy to independently Designing, Manufacturing, and Test Key Semiconductor Chips. The strategy outlines 38 projects and tasks assigned to 10 ministries. So far, 10 projects have been completed on schedule, 24 are underway, and four have yet to commence.

Source: Vietnam News

Date: August 04, 2025

Energy

Taiwan votes against Reopening of Nuclear Plant. A referendum to push for the reopening of Taiwan's last nuclear plant failed to reach the legal threshold to pass, though the government said the island could return to the technology in the future if safety standards improved. The plant was closed in May as the government shifts to renewables and liquefied natural gas.

Source: The Guardian

Date: August 24, 2025

Quantum Technology

Vietnam launches Networks of Innovation. The National Innovation Center under the Ministry of Finance has officially launched three new networks of innovation and strategic technology in quantum technology (VNQuantum), cybersecurity (ViSecurity), and aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV Vietnam). VNQuantum aims to put Vietnam on the global quantum technology map. ViSecurity is focused on mastering cybersecurity technologies and developing "Made in Vietnam" solutions to safeguard national digital infrastructure. UAV Vietnam seeks to move the country from a consumer market to a producer and innovator in the global aerospace and UAV value chain.

Source: Vietnam Pictorial

Date: September 15, 2025

Programs & Projects