US space startup Overview Energy plans to demonstrate its space-based solar power system from low Earth orbit in 2028. The company is developing satellites that collect solar energy in space and convert it into near-infrared light before beaming it to solar facilities on Earth. Overview Energy has already demonstrated wireless power transfer from an airborne platform. Its next step is to transmit energy from a satellite in orbit, with the company listing 2028 as the target for its first low-Earth-orbit power transfer. It ultimately plans to operate satellites in geosynchronous orbit,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi on September 17. The three-day event, being held from September 17 to 19, has the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem”. The event brings together more than 600 companies and delegates from 52 countries. Six countries are also represented through dedicated pavilions at the exhibition, which is focused on developments across the semiconductor industry. In his address, Modi said India is expanding its semiconductor ecosystem and seeking to position itse
The European Union and South Korea have agreed to deepen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity and explore future integration with IRIS², the EU’s planned secure connectivity constellation. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and South Korean Deputy Minister Giyoung Jeoung signed the administrative arrangement on September 17. The agreement creates a joint working group that will exchange information on existing and planned secure-connectivity programmes. It will also examine possible joint applications and assess technical solutions for cooperation
Malaysia has become a major destination for data-centre investment as demand for AI and cloud computing drives rapid expansion in digital infrastructure. The country recorded RM385.7 billion in data-centre-related investments between 2021 and the first half of 2026. Major global operators have expanded their presence in Malaysia. AWS, Microsoft and Google are among the companies with operations in the country. Greater Kuala Lumpur and Johor have emerged as key locations for the sector. Johor has become one of the main centres of Malaysia’s data-centre growth. Its proximity to Singapor
Sixteen-year-old Austin Jin, a senior at William A. Shine Great Neck South High School in New York, has developed M-CATCH, a CRISPR-based diagnostic platform for tuberculosis. The test uses blood serum to detect bacterial DNA and can identify genetic mutations linked to drug resistance. M-CATCH uses polymerase chain reactions and CRISPR-Cas12a technology to find TB-related genetic signatures. Jin designed CRISPR guide RNAs that can distinguish genetic differences as small as a single nucleotide. The platform also uses a microfluidics chip. It allows multiple reactions to run simultaneou
The ASEAN semiconductor market is projected to grow from an estimated $35.17 billion in 2025 to $62.87 billion by 2035, according to a study by SNS Insider. The market is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.98% between 2026 and 2035. The growth is being driven by expanding electronics manufacturing across Southeast Asia. Rising demand for computing and communication technologies is also encouraging investment in semiconductor production and related infrastructure. Governments across the region are introducing policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and devel
Scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee have developed a process that converts polyethylene plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons. The method uses molten salts containing aluminium chloride and sodium chloride. The researchers found that the salt mixture can serve as both the reaction medium and the source of catalytic activity. It breaks down long polyethylene chains into smaller hydrocarbons that fall within gasoline and diesel ranges. The process operates at temperatures below 170°C and does not require an external hydrogen supply. It also avoi
Malaysia has ranked second in Southeast Asia in the GSMA’s Digital Nations ASEAN 2026 report. It placed behind Singapore and ahead of Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. The findings were released at the closing of M360 ASEAN 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, opened the event alongside ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath. The ranking reflects Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, data governance and cybersecurity preparedness. The GSMA also cited the country’s AI Nation 2030 strategy as a key drive
NASA and IBM have released an open-source artificial intelligence model called the NASA-IBM Lunar Foundation Model. It is designed to help scientists study the Moon and support future lunar missions. The system can analyse large volumes of lunar observation data. It can also identify features including potential ice deposits, craters and volcanic formations known as irregular mare patches. The model was trained using data collected by multiple lunar missions. Its dataset includes more than 30 spatially aligned data layers from nine instruments across four missions. Much of the data come
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