Malaysia will need about 9 gigawatts of new gas-fired power capacity by 2032 as electricity demand rises, with the rapid expansion of data centres adding to pressure on the country’s power system. Data centres accounted for a record 9.3% of Malaysia’s total electricity consumption during the second week of August. That was higher than their average share of about 7% so far this year. Hotter weather has added to demand by increasing the power needed to keep servers and other equipment cool. The pressure is expected to grow further. Data centres could account for as much as 31% of ele
Scientists at the UK’s National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre have used artificial intelligence to identify nearly 800 plant proteins that could potentially be used as emulsifiers in food and personal care products. The research team at the University of Leeds combined artificial intelligence with statistical physics to predict which proteins could perform this function. Many of the nearly 800 proteins identified had not previously been considered as potential emulsifiers. Emulsifiers allow oil and water to mix and help keep products stable. They are used in foods such as ice
Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada led the Indian delegation at the G20 Innovation Ministers’ Meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, held from September 1 to 2. The meeting was hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. G20 ministers reached consensus on the Innovation Ministerial Statement. The meeting also produced the AI Prosperity Objectives and AI Prosperity Compact, which aim to support technical workforce development across G20 countries and expand opportunities for private sector partnerships. On the sidelines
Electric car sales rose sharply in the UK in August, with battery electric vehicles becoming the country’s highest-selling type of car during the month. Registrations rose by around 30% from a year earlier, according to data reported by New AutoMotive. A total of 27,876 battery electric cars were registered, giving the segment almost 30% of all new car registrations and making it its strongest August to date. The wider car sector grew too, with total registrations rising 17.5% year-on-year to 93,977 vehicles. More than 366,000 electric vehicles have joined UK roads so far this year
UK solar power generation hit a new high between June and August 2026, helped by long stretches of sunshine and continued growth in solar installations. Solar farms and rooftop panels generated 8.8 terawatt-hours of electricity over the three-month period, according to Carbon Brief analysis. That was 23% higher than a year earlier and double the level recorded in 2021. Clear skies were a major factor, according to Chris Hewett, chief executive of Solar Energy UK. Continued growth in solar installations also helped push generation higher. The increase came during the UK’s hottest su
Singapore and Norway are set to bring the maritime industry together in November as the Singapore-Norway Innovation Conference returns for its seventh edition. The conference will be held at Amara Singapore on November 4, with more than 200 participants expected. This year’s theme, “From Seabed to Space: Governing Tomorrow’s Oceans”, reflects the growing role of technology in the maritime sector. Discussions will look at how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and satellite connectivity are changing ocean operations. Maritime cybersecurity and remote operations will also be
London’s first self-driving taxis have started carrying passengers. Uber has launched the service with British autonomous vehicle company Wayve. The initial fleet has 15 vehicles. They are modified Ford Mustang Mach-E electric cars fitted with Wayve’s self-driving technology. Passengers can be matched with one of the vehicles through the Uber app. They can choose whether to accept the autonomous car when it is offered. A human safety driver will remain inside every vehicle. The driver can take control or apply the brakes if necessary. The cars are therefore not fully driverles
Singapore is launching a new scheme to make robotics easier for construction companies to adopt. The Robot Leasing Support Scheme will help lower the cost of leasing proven equipment. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced the scheme on September 2. It is part of Singapore’s wider push to improve productivity in the built environment. The scheme will provide up to 50% co-funding for each robot. The money will come through the Built Environment Technology and Capability grant. The support will cover proven robotics and automation solutions. Examples include robots u
Vietnam’s digital technology industry generated an estimated VND680.6 trillion, or $25.8 billion, in revenue in August. That was up 36% from the same month last year, according to figures from the Ministry of Science and Technology. Exports of tech products and goods also increased. They reached an estimated $22.4 billion during the month. This was 41% higher than in the same period in 2025. The pace builds on a strong 2026. The ministry reported that the sector generated VND622.4 trillion, or $24 billion, in April alone. That was up 38% year-on-year. Digital exports reached $20.3 bil
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City launched the Riyadh Digital Innovation District on August 27. The project aims to position the Saudi capital among the world’s top 10 technology hubs. The district will focus on six domains. They are artificial intelligence and big data, cybersecurity, computing and cloud services, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics and unmanned aerial systems. The commission said these sectors account for the majority of global technology investment. Minister of State and RCRC chief executive Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan said the initiative would s