Co-hosted by the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA), the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), and Taiwan Mobile, the 2025 AI with Purpose Global Summit Taipei concluded successfully on May 28-29. Over the two-day summit, nearly a thousand experts participated in person and online, exploring three core themes: AI for Sustainable Development, Digital Infrastructure, and Building a Global Governance Platform. These discussions injected new momentum into Taiwan's industry and the global AI and ICT ecosystem. The second day focused on scaling digital infrastructure and building global governance platforms, delving into energy foundations required for AI scaling, international collaboration, and Asia's role and challenges in the global AI governance landscape.The summit kicked off with the presence of the Minister of Environment, co-hosts TEEMA, GeSI, and Taiwan MobileMinister of Environment, Dr. Chi-Ming Peng: A Crucial Opportunity to Connect with the World and Advance Toward Green Growth and 2050 Net ZeroSupported by the Ministry of Environment and the International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Minister of Environment, Dr. Chi-Ming Peng delivered opening remarks. He stated that in the face of climate change, Taiwan is focusing on dual transformation through digitalization and net zero as it seeks innovative solutions. Hosting the AI with Purpose Global Summit in Taiwan for the first time marks a vital opportunity to engage globally. The Ministry welcomes AI applications in sustainability and encourages industry participation. With AI accelerating both digital and net-zero transitions, Taiwan can contribute significantly to global sustainable development.TEEMA President Chuan-Neng Lin: Driving Industry Upgrades and Technological Innovation with Global PartnersTEEMA President Lin highlighted Taiwan's strong R&D capabilities and complete industrial ecosystem, positioning it as a bridge for international collaboration and innovation in AI and sustainability. Facing global industrial transformation and energy challenges, AI is becoming a key enabler for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lin expressed hope that the summit would foster practical applications of AI for sustainability and deepen collaboration between Taiwanese enterprises and global experts to shape a future of intelligent and sustainable growth.GeSI CEO Luís Neves: Taiwan Plays a Key Role in the Global Digital Sustainability TransitionGeSI CEO Luís Neves emphasized that AI and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping the world. Taiwan's commitment to digital and sustainable transformation positions it as a critical player globally. Neves noted that AI is already delivering concrete outcomes across healthcare, energy, finance, and education. The next step is to ensure inclusive and responsible AI use that benefits more people. Marking GeSI's 25th anniversary, Neves underscored GeSI's mission to lead this AI-driven sustainability movement and develop innovative solutions that address climate, environmental, and social challenges. He affirmed the summit as a launchpad for a prosperous and sustainable future and a platform for cross-sector global collaboration.Day 2 Highlights: Scaling AI Infrastructure and Global Governance - Exploring Taiwan's AI PotentialIn the session on Scaling Digital Infrastructure, Dr. Tzi-Cker Chiueh, General Director of Delta Research Center, explained the challenges of intermittent and volatile green energy. Without proper dispatching, efficiency drops and companies face dual costs from 'must-run' payment clauses and compensatory gray energy. He proposed that AI algorithms and contract modeling could boost green energy utilization to 87%, significantly reducing carbon-intensive electricity reliance. Dr. Chiueh called on the industry to pursue a '15-minute real-time verification' system, creating a predictive and real-time energy management platform to achieve sustainable energy management and infrastructure optimization with AI.In the session "The Core of Al - Components, Devices, and Connectivity"panelists stressed AI's dependence on semiconductor manufacturing, edge computing devices, and high-speed networks. With the rise of generative AI and edge applications, the demand for high-performance chips and AI-ready networks is surging. Broad deployment requires integration of low-power devices, resilient supply chains, and compliant, affordable connectivity. Beyond performance and cost, sustainability must also be prioritized to ensure economic and environmental competitiveness in AI deployment. The ability to control supply chains and core technologies will define future leadership in the global AI landscape.The discussion "Scaling AI Sustainably - Compute, Resources, and Infrastructure" examined AI data center operations, integration of 5G and satellite communication, and renewable energy adoption. Experts noted the immense pressure high-density AI computing places on infrastructure, calling for coordinated cooling systems, land use, and energy allocation to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. Alessandro Gropelli, Secretary-General of Connect Europe, emphasized the telecom sector's central role in supporting stable data transmission and edge computing for AI and sustainability. He warned that while edge computing improves efficiency, it may also increase energy consumption. Future progress requires policy guidance and infrastructure integration to balance energy efficiency and industry growth.The session on "Organizing for Enablement at Scale: Code of Conduct & Governance" focused on governance challenges posed by AI's rapid penetration into decision-making and public services. With AI advancing faster than existing regulations, the lack of behavioral norms and coordination mechanisms can worsen bias, discrimination, and privacy concerns. Experts advocated for responsible AI as a guiding principle and called for institutional frameworks that include policy development, technical auditing, and practical guidelines. Multistakeholder participation is essential to ensure AI is lawful, compliant, and ethically responsible.The discussion on "Organizing for Enablement at Scale: Committed Goals" stressed that AI benefits should extend beyond internal efficiency to positive impacts on customers, society, and the environment. Panelists introduced the "Handprint" concept, advocating for measuring the positive contributions AI makes to the ecosystem - such as carbon reduction, educational equity, and public health enhancement - in addition to traditional carbon footprints. Establishing consistent metrics and transparent reporting mechanisms is crucial to positioning AI as a trusted enabler for achieving net zero and sustainable development goals.Digital with Purpose Global Awards Make Asian DebutThe summit concluded with the Digital with Purpose Global Awards, recognizing digital innovation that drives the UN SDGs across five key domains: biodiversity, climate action, smart cities, health and well-being, and education. Awardees included:*AI Ocean by Taiwan Mobile (Biodiversity Award),*Pade Technology (Climate Action Award),*Google AirView+ (Smart Cities Award),*Huijia Health (Health and Well-being Award),*En-Roads (Education Award), with Pade Technology receiving the overall top honor of the Digital with Purpose Award.This summit showcased that AI is no longer a mere technical topic - it's a comprehensive endeavor encompassing ethics, policy, industry, and ecosystems. TEEMA Honorary Chairman Richard Lee affirmed that AI is more than a tool for industrial upgrading - it is a positive force for social co-prosperity and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the future focus should be on sustainable potential, digital infrastructure, and global collaboration platforms. TEEMA will continue to promote Taiwan's participation in global events and reinforce its ICT industry's leadership in green technology and sustainable transformation.In closing, Luís Neves, CEO of GeSI, stated that AI must remain human-centric and society-serving. The summit successfully demonstrated the potential of 'AI with Purpose' in action. GeSI is committed to returning to Taipei next year to deepen cross-sector collaboration and advance AI solutions that benefit both people and the planet.Iris Liu, Vice President of Sustainability PR at Taiwan Mobile and GeSI Board Member, noted that the summit's success stems from the long-term collaboration among TEEMA, Taiwan Mobile, and GeSI. The event generated many innovative ideas and new possibilities for cross-sector collaboration. It also prompted reflection on how to build sustainable funding models for AI development. She expressed hope that the event would continue to be held in Taipei, serving as a lasting platform to amplify the positive power of technology.The summit concluded with the Digital with Purpose Global Awards Ceremony, recognizing the most impactful global digital sustainability innovations

Low-powered, low-level light therapy with light-emitting diodes (LED) at some specific wavelengths has attracted attention in wound healing indications to accelerate wound healing and ameliorate pain for enhancing quality of life. For example, based on the development in the NASA Space Medicine Laboratory, the wavelength of 830 nm offers deep penetration into living biological tissue, including bone. A growing body of clinical evidence is showing the healing outcomes with effective results. There are also startups aiming to provide new healthcare devices that use clinically useful irradiance.Light Photons Co., as a Taiwan-based startup, develops a range of healthcare products based on AVS (Audio-visual Stimulation) and LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy) technologies to seek the potential of skin conditions, alleviating joint pain, or improving relaxation function. These solutions are becoming a fast-growing technology to treat many situations that require healing stimulation, relief of pain or inflammation, and restoration of function, leveraging photons at a non-thermal irradiance to alter biological activities. Yen Lin (known as Wilson Lin) founded Light Photons in 2024. In this interview, he talked about his product ideas, which initially came from his previous work in the semiconductor and personal computer (PC) industries. His Lab background in high-frequency serial bus and optical played a crucial role in identifying and developing the company's core technology. With years of experience as a PC system architect and gaining valuable skills in Firmware / Software design, system engineering, and technical problem-solving, the primary challenges came from understanding and integrating knowledge from various fields, such as optics, electronics, and biology. Looking at his background, he started developing Firmware. He began the journey of deepening knowledge of high-speed serial bus communication protocols, including PCIe, USB interfacing technologies, and more hardware-software integration after joining AMD, HPE, and ODM companies. He explained his work scope at HPE LAB since 2010 for research, development, and verification of related digital signaling systems by incorporating high-frequency bands protocols and other related fiber optic technology in laboratory work.Credit: CompanyThe Brain Computer Interface capabilities in indirect effectThrough many years of R&D work, he enrolled in an extensive practical R&D management academic training program (EMRD) at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST). He joined the study at Taiwan's National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) for introductory neuroscience courses. In these study courses and extended studies, he was motivated by his desire to find that the treatment's capabilities and the human body's effectiveness can make biological data networks, just like a PC system. During these courses, multiple continuous international studies have provided a more reliable possibility of the human body's cognitive pathway to transmit messages through a smaller and closed network, which could be analyzed through different methods. He started to develop and make prototyping LED-based electronics devices, focusing on light-related solutions that harness light's benefits to impact skin and bone health positively. So, Lin's basic product concept explores human body networks and communication behavior with light wavelengths and wave frequencies influence. Light Photons' product strategy is focused on the healthcare market for rehabilitation and relaxation. The company is targeting the initial market expansion to the Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets.Improve cognitive functionLight therapy has been used to treat some mental and sleep disorders for years. Lin set his research topic to identify the capability of these technologies through his collaborative research projects. Based on the conference paper in 2024 titled ??Adequate LED-based light with EEG alpha wave discussed in the Relaxation?? in the IEEE 6th Eurasia Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare and Sustainability Conference. In this paper, Lin and the team in this project conducted a research study that involved a group of 30 participants aged between 20 and 40 years old. Measuring alpha brain wave percentage in individuals and referencing the General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7) check routine during the experiment. This design can reveal patterns associated with comparison. In this study, each individual will be exposed to the light generated by Lin??s LED-based device at a distance between 20 and 60 centimeters for a time duration of 5 to 20 minutes. A six-channel dipole record was collected based on an electroencephalography (EEG) alpha wave frequency review. With these scientific data gathering, the paper shows a table to measure and analyze the effectiveness of light wavelengths. Meanwhile, after this physical light exposure and measurement procedures, each participant will be investigated following the Anxiety Disorder Diagnostic Table GAD-7 to answer a brief self-report questionnaire to assess the emotional ratings and indicate the difference after the light treatment. This study concludes the effectiveness of blue-green and orange-red wavelengths in dark environments, giving the Low-Level Light devices positive results. In this study, 95% of participants experienced positive emotional states, which is a strong understanding of their product design concept. After months of implementing design improvements, the company recently announced its new product series, including AVS (Audio-visual Stimulation) equipment and LLLT (Low-Level Light Therapy) devices. Both products leverage LED-based technology to generate low-level lights based on visual light wavelengths. Lin gives a simple and straightforward demonstration with his smart watch to record the different scores to indicate the effectiveness before and after using LED-based and AVS-based devices. This demo shows the product's capability proposition and possibility. There are several enquiries during Arab Health 2025 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to introduce devices as effective self-care devices.Credit: CompanyContinuous study of the light and wave effects on skin and bone remodelingThe skin is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ, with visual and non-visual light wavelengths. The company referenced the light wavelength range for skin effectiveness. It still responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths as the device's base light source. The company is exploring red light electronic devices as a tool to support skin health. To expand its product offerings, the company developed a new product lineup, including the Anti series for visual light wavelengths. Lin provides different mindsets for rehabilitation considerations compared with similar products in the healthcare market. According to understanding the rehabilitation phases, each phase contains different conditions for mixed light wavelengths and waves in frequency. The first product is an Anti-Oxid device, which can be used during the Cell inflammatory phase. The Activation AVS device will consider situations during the Cell proliferation phase. The Strong AVS device will perform the Cell or bone remodeling phases in the third phase. For healthcare considerations, there are always some primary processes to achieve the market's goal. Production is only part of this process. These ongoing development projects show the design capability of Lin??s engineering teams. Nowadays, Light Photons Co. provides Low-Level Light electronic devices for rehabilitation and relaxation purposes. The LED-based series devices consume under 1 watt of power, just like night lamp devices, but provide various functionality with safety and sustainable features for the rehabilitation market. The rehabilitation equipment market encompasses a wide range of devices and tools designed to help individuals recover, improve, or maintain their physical capabilities following injury, surgery, illness, or the onset of chronic conditions. For this high-growth market, the company's business model involves manufacturing and design of products under the OEM and ODM frameworks. They are also open to collaborating on research projects and will likely explore new designs and product concepts.For further product information, please refer to the links ofhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/light-photons-corporate/

Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of high-reliability connectivity products and solutions serving segments of aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor test, and industrial markets, announces its top-performing distributors in 2024.The Distribution Awards initiative recognizes business partners who have significantly contributed to the growth of Smiths Interconnect across its three operating regions: the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. Winners in each region were selected based on their exceptional performance compared to the previous fiscal year. "With the Smiths Interconnect Distribution Awards, we recognize the vital role our distributors play in our success, and we look forward to continued growth for our businesses," said Vera Parker, President of Smiths Interconnect.Thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of our distributors across all three regions, a greater number of business partners have been awarded this year. A total of seven distributors have been honored for their outstanding contributions.In the Americas, FDH Electronics has been awarded the distributor of the year. FDH is a long-lasting partner of Smiths Interconnect (beginning the business relationship with Electro Enterprises), and over the years, they have proved to be a trusted and collaborative partner. A couple of recent initiatives have contributed to their growth: the Hyper series stocking package made FDH Electronics an international partner for the selected hyperboloid contacts, and the stocking package for cPCI connectors definitely boosted their growth.Jerilynn Johnston, Distribution Manager Americas, and Brian Long, Director of America Sales at Smiths Interconnect, celebrate 2024 Americas distribution award with Mitch Enright, President, and Nathan Little, Vice President, Sales at FDH Electronics. Credit: Smiths InterconnectIn the EMEA region, Smiths Interconnect has recognized two distinct distributors for their outstanding growth throughout 2024. The Spanish distributor SCP SINTERSA (Sistemas de Interconexión SA) has achieved the best growth during 2024 for the Connectors product line.Thanks to its well-established sales network and strong business relationships with key customers, the Spanish company has achieved outstanding results across the Iberian Peninsula. These successes are also driven by a solid inventory of connectors and the added value provided by its cabling services.The Turkish company Matec Elektronik received the second EMEA award for their outstanding contribution to the Fiber Optic and Components product lines in 2024, including key support in maintaining a positive relationship with local customers.Last but not least, as it presents the higher number of awards, Asia was one of the most active areas from a distribution standpoint. For this reason, Smiths Interconnect has decided to award the following 4 business partners:Sangdo Electronics: Highly Commended Distributor for Business Growth 2024 for the Connectors product line. Throughout the year, Sangdo was particularly active in the design-in activity for Space and Industrial applications and won some important new projects.HS4B: Highly Commended Distributor for Business Growth 2024 for the Fiber Optic and Components product line. They have done an exceptional job of promoting this product line and growing its business in South Korea.Shanghai Huili Technology Development: Distributor of the Year 2024 for Semiconductor Products. This is the second consecutive year they have received the award. In 2024, they continued the exceptional performance demonstrated in 2023, contributing to a 33% increase in sales. They have also consistently shown strong motivation to expand our activity in China, where they have nearly doubled Smiths Interconnect's business over the past two years.Smiths Interconnect China Semiconductor Test Division Sales Director Eason Xu (right) presents the award to Shanghai Huili Technology Development General Manager Arthur Shu (left). Credit: Smiths InterconnectConn-tek Electronics: Highly Commended Distributor for Business Growth 2024 for Semiconductor Products. This special award is a recognition for their support and collaboration both in the consolidated Chinese market and in the growing Taiwanese, one where they were able to provide logistics support and helped push our potential business growth.Smiths Interconnect China Semiconductor Test Division Sales Director Eason Xu (right) presents the award to Conn-tek Shanghai Sales Director Simon Yang (left). Credit: Smiths InterconnectThrough ongoing innovation and closer collaboration, Smiths Interconnect will work with global distributors to jointly explore broader market opportunities in the future.

LITEON Technology (LITEON) is actively deploying new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted vision software technologies enabling a wide variety of features for improved road safety and driver convenience. At AI EXPO Taiwan 2025, organized by DIGITIMES, LITEON showcases a series of breakthrough innovations leveraging existing vehicle hardware and optimized AI algorithms to equip vehicles with software that upgrades driving safety. Brady Jung, Associate Vice President of LITEON Core Competence Technology Research Center, describes the new technology strategy focused on the safe driving sector in this interview.This research and development organization aims to develop advanced technologies over the next 5 to 10 years, targeting software development to sharpen LITEON's long-term competitiveness. Simultaneously, the technology development team is looking for promising startups for potential investments, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and shaping the future of technology. The following vision software demos assist drivers in detecting potentially dangerous conditions, advancing road safety.Monitor driver attentiveness to detect 'See You Unseen' and enhance worry-free drivingThe first technology monitors driver attentiveness and driving behavior to identify potentially dangerous driving patterns. This vision software leverages DMS (Driver Monitoring System) cameras mounted on the upper windshield area or near the steering wheel to estimate a driver's gaze direction. Jung provides typical examples of distracted driving: a driver makes a right turn with clear signaling but turns his head to the left because he notices something interesting. This technology can detect where drivers are looking by analyzing their head movements and providing real-time safety warnings to prevent potentially dangerous situations. This vision software benefits drivers by monitoring their condition and evaluating how safely they are handling the vehicle.Panoramic multi-object tracking to determine the movements of objects around vehicleThe second demonstration is the multi-object tracking technology, such as detecting pedestrian movements or other approaching vehicles, to predict possible changes in driving situations on the road. This software uses a combination of AI algorithms to develop a comprehensive understanding of the driving environment, enabling better utilization of the vehicle's camera systems. One of the unique features of this software is consolidating data from multiple cameras into a single, coherent perception result of identified objects. By leveraging surround-view multi-object tracking technology and processing massive image data from multiple cameras, the software can rapidly recognize people and other objects around the vehicle and even predict their future trajectories.Simulate human vision to detect 3D objects for mitigating potential accidentsInspired by human binocular vision, the third demo aims to track 3D objects by identifying object depth using two cameras. The camera arrangement can consist of one camera at the front of the car and another on either side, creating a viewing angle difference similar to human binocular perception. This vision software detects the depth of objects. Jung cites a common scenario in which ordinary vehicles struggle to accurately determine the actual location and depth of sidewalk curbs when parking on the roadside. This software helps prevent common mistakes that cause tire and rim damage from hitting curbs. The benefit of this software is improved accuracy in perceiving the 3D shapes of objects, such as road curbs in the above example.Subtle facial physiological reaction capturing and understanding to predict risksThe fourth technology integrates DMS cameras to capture drivers' facial physiological signs while driving. Even under challenging lighting conditions, this technology can accurately detect subtle facial fatigue signals across wide variations in brightness and diverse driving environments. This vision software utilizes a near-infrared (NIR) camera to capture subtle physiological signs, such as pulse fluctuations on the driver's face or neck. In collaboration with two top universities and their medical schools in Taiwan, several ongoing research projects aim to deepen the interpretation of drivers' physiological signs. It is especially crucial to analyze rapid pulse changes, as understanding these can enhance driving safety and contribute to the development of early risk warning systems.LITEON explores the crucial role of middleware suppliers with AI vision softwareBehind these technologies lies the core strength that LITEON has built up over the years in the automotive market. With expertise in hardware optical devices and cameras, LITEON possesses unique advantages in developing automotive vision software. Nowadays, modern cars are typically equipped with more than 10 built-in cameras as standard features. The massive amount of image data and video streams captured from a vehicle's cameras provides fertile ground for disruptive innovations, unlocking emerging revenue opportunities in the automotive industry. Leveraging powerful AI algorithms, LITEON develops vision software stacks and actively plays the role of automotive middleware provider. LITEON is aggressively selling a business model for vision system integration in the automotive sector.Jung emphasized several unique strengths that enable LITEON to explore the automotive vision software business. First, LITEON's vision perception technologies offer significantly broader coverage, simultaneously addressing human drivers and the surrounding vehicle environment. Jung refers to this approach as "Human-Vehicle Integration," highlighting the company's core technologies and know-how in the integrated detection of people and vehicles. Second, by utilizing existing Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and vehicle cameras, LITEON implements specialized "Camera-Independent" technology to fine-tune image quality across different car models. This ensures consistent image quality performance, maintaining reliable detection and monitoring capabilities. Third, through its extensive history of collaboration with global brands and automotive Tier 1 suppliers, LITEON has established long-term partnerships and works closely with supply chains, accelerating new product development and significantly reducing customers' time-to-market.Furthermore, to maximize vision software performance across various ECU systems and vehicle models, LITEON continues to invest heavily in developing lightweight AI algorithms. These optimized algorithms drive computing power efficiency, delivering higher computational performance while being less resource-intensive and more power-efficient across mainstream ECU platforms. This design aligns with long-term automotive industry trends toward sustainable growth, innovative solutions, and meeting consumer and regulatory demands.As automotive applications evolve, the focus remains on minimizing environmental impact and enhancing driving safety and convenience. In the upcoming phase, LITEON is engaging with global automotive brands and Tier 1s to demonstrate vision software through linking and displaying on the infotainment screen. Additional procedures include preparing a physical demo vehicle for real-time testing and verification on the customer side. Through these efforts, LITEON is actively stepping into the safe-driving software market, expanding its software solutions by leveraging core competencies and incorporating AI-powered features to identify another significant growth engine in the future. For further information about LITEON's solutions, please visit www.liteon.com or view the introduction video titled "See Your Unseen. Worry-Free Driving." here.

The IoT (Internet of Things) technology led to tremendous growing of the connected devices. This growing connected market required new approach of security certification which will meet the fast and dynamic changed products.1 Cybersecurity Standards1.1 Type of coverage - Environmental vs. Functional StandardizationTo standardize this discipline, academics and professionals collaborate and seek to set basic guidance, policies, and industry standards.Cybersecurity standards have evolved to address multiple layers of protection in the product lifecycle, which can broadly be categorized into two complementary domains: environment security and functional security implementation. This layered approach is particularly critical in complex and vulnerable ecosystems such as the Internet of Things (IoT), where both the development infrastructure and embedded security functions are frequent attack surfaces. This classification reflects the understanding that effective cybersecurity requires both a secure foundation during development and robust protections within the product itself*Environment security standards Secure the development, testing, and manufacturing environments by protecting tools, source code, and intellectual property, and by establishing Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).*Functional security standards Ensure products embed security features like secure boot, cryptography, access control, and tamper detection, applied during the design phase to make security requirements testable and verifiable.These two domains are not mutually exclusive but deeply interdependent.1.2 Standardization Category Governance LevelsThe standards are developed and applied at multiple governance levels - international, regional, and national (country-specific) - to address diverse regulatory environments, technological ecosystems, and geopolitical considerations. Each level plays a unique role in shaping the frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and technical specifications governing the protection of information assets:* At the international level, standards are typically developed by globally recognized bodies such as ISO/IEC aim to provide global harmonization, facilitating international trade, cross-border data flow, and common security assurance frameworks for multinational organizations.*Regional standards are typically introduced by economic or political unions to align practices across member states. They often build on or adapt international standards while considering regional laws and policies.*At the National level, individual states develop and enforce security standards tailored to their specific infrastructure, threat landscape, and regulatory priorities.This multi-tiered structure ensures both broad interoperability and local adaptability. International standards foster global trust and facilitate compliance across borders. Regional standards address regional legal and regulatory harmonization. National standards reflect local priorities, strategic industries, and legal systems.1.3 Applicability across Horizontal and Vertical frameworksStandards in the field of cybersecurity and ICT are strategically developed to serve either as cross-industry frameworks (horizontal standards) or as domain-specific regulations (vertical standards):*Horizontal standards Apply across industries using a risk assessment approach to manage general cybersecurity risks in products and processes.*Vertical standards Tailored to specific sectors like automotive or healthcare, focusing on meeting domain-specific requirements based on horizontal frameworks.The main difference between a horizontal/risk assessment-based approach and a Vertical/product-based approach is the focus of the process: the former focuses on managing potential risks, while the latter focuses on delivering a product that meets specific requirements.1.4 Evaluation MethodologyLooking at the cybersecurity standards, there are 3 main types of Evaluation methodology:*Self-Declaration - The manufacturer independently claims compliance without external review.*Declaration of Conformity (DoC) - A formal statement confirming compliance with legal and technical requirements.*3rd Party Evaluation - An independent body verifies compliance through testing, reviews, and audits.For some of the standard the minimum evaluation methodology is define while there is a freedom for the evaluation sponsor/ manufacturer to use more strict methodology for the evaluation, exm: for Declaration of conformity to use 3rd party evaluation for demonstrating the conformity. It is popular is cases of test evidence, especially for penetration testing.2 Classification and Analysis of Security IT StandardsSeveral widely recognized IT standards were selected for analysis based on their relevance to cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and sector-specific adoption. At this part the standards are classifies and analyzes across key dimensions, including evaluation methodology (e.g., self-declaration, declaration of conformity, third-party certification), type of coverage (functional vs. environmental), standardization category governance level and applicability across horizontal and vertical frameworks:Table 1: Security IT StandardsSource: CompanyThe evaluation of the selected standards based on their coverage type - whether functional or environmental - yields the following overview:Figure 1: Standards Type of coverageSource: CompanyAs illustrated, the majority of the analyzed standards primarily address functional security requirements, while only 10% focus exclusively on environmental aspects. Notably, 20% of the standards incorporate both environmental and functional security considerations. An examination of the governance levels yielded the following insights:Figure 2: Distribution of Standards by Region and GovernanceSource: CompanyIn this analysis, 35% of the standards are international in scope, while 40% represent regional. The remaining 25% are national standards established by individual countries.An analysis of standards applicability - reveals that 40% are horizontal standards, providing general requirements for ICT products or cryptographic algorithm implementations. In contrast, 60% are vertical standards, tailored to specific market segments such as the automotive and industrial sectors. Notably, 45% of the overall standards focus specifically on the IoT segment:Figure 3: Standards ApplicabilitySource: CompanyExamining the type of methodology which is used to be certified foreach standard shows the following:Figure 4: Evaluation MethodologySource: Company75% of the standards require third-party evaluation, while only 15% allow for self-declaration. These requirements suggest that the majority of ICT products are likely to undergo third-party certification. However, to accurately assess the impact, it's important to consider which of these standards are mandatory. The current situation is that Only 35% of the cybersecurity standards are mandatorily required.3 The ChallengeDue to the IoT revolution which all is connected, the challenges at the national segment and in the market segments are to be able to secure the citizen from cyber threats, attacks and cybercriminals by developing the appropriate regulations. These challenges may present obstacles to achieving effective and comprehensive cybersecurity regulation:*Evolving Threats: Cyber attacks are becoming more advanced and exploit new vulnerabilities, requiring adaptable regulations.*Global Harmonization: Diverse legal systems make aligning international cybersecurity regulations complex but essential.*Regulatory Fragmentation: Varying national standards can burden global companies and hinder collaboration.*Tech Advancements: Rapid growth in AI, quantum computing, and IoT challenges regulators to keep pace.*Privacy vs. Security: Balancing data protection with cybersecurity needs remains a persistent issue.*Resource Gaps: Smaller firms may lack the resources to comply with complex regulations.*Skills Shortage: A global lack of cybersecurity talent threatens effective implementation.*Compliance Burden: Managing multiple regulatory frameworks adds cost and complexity.*AI-Powered Threats: Attackers are increasingly using AI, demanding smarter defensive measures.*New Sectors: Emerging fields like smart cities and autonomous vehicles need tailored cybersecurity rules.Addressing these future challenges will require collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, international organizations, and cybersecurity experts. Striking a balance between proactive regulation, technological innovation, and effective enforcement will be crucial to building resilient and secure digital ecosystems in the years to come.For more information on how Winbond can support your security and compliance needs, visit Winbond's website or contact Winbond directly, or download the latest Hardware Security White Paper.

ASUS VivoWatch is a smart health watch not only welcomed by individual customers from the increasing awareness of personalized health management, but also creates innovative solutions for healthcare settings, bringing strong momentum enhancing digital transformation at Taiwan's medical and health industries.ASUS and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a project "Establishing Healthcare Ecosystem through Smart Wearable Devices" recently. Partnership between local technological company and the hospital will build a complete remote healthcare network with ASUS medical-level smart wearable devices and its management system.This network is designed to bridge the gap between hospital-based care and community-based prevention and treatment, connecting various healthcare scenarios within the hospital to local New Taipei communities.Cross-industry partnership as a standard for biomedical technology integrationFar Eastern Memorial Hospital, a pioneer in digital healthcare, began its transformation in 2011. The hospital has gradually introduced Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, AI in diagnostic imaging, Early Warning Systems, and Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS). FEMH was awarded as a Smart Hospital in 2024.Dr Chih-Hung Chang, Vice President of FEMH, emphasizes that a Patient-Centered Care and innovation-driven application is the key to digital transformation at the hospital. " The collaboration with ASUS marks an important milestone for cross-industry partnerships." Dr Chang said at the press conference."As ASUS is a leading technology brand in Taiwan, the collaboration between two parties showed an optimal integration of Taiwan's "BIO & ICT" industries, especially given ASUS's products have passed the regulatory approval in Taiwan, which enhances adoption opportunities in healthcare facilities. ASUS's flexibility in providing integrated hardware and software solutions and support perfectly complements FEMH's principles of improving medical efficacy, alleviating staff burdens, boosting efficiency and eliminating errors. Dr Chang added.A leading new trend in health management with medical-level wearable devicesSharon Pan, Associate VP of ASUS, also stated the partnership as a significant milestone to the company."The ASUS VivoWatch is the first wearable device in Taiwan to receive approval from Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), signifying its recognized quality and medical-level capabilities. ASUS VivoWAtch offers personal health management solutions, aiming to establish a new healthcare service model for individuals inside and outside the hospital.Pan stated that "people-oriented" is the company philosophy of ASUS, aiming to relieve burdens and better healthcare through technological innovations.The ASUS-FEMH partnership will implement ASUS's hardware, software, and AI technologies into clinical settings, fostering a virtuous cycle between service providers and users. Furthermore, it also lays a strong foundation for ASUS to introduce more smart products to the global market.Humanization-based and user-centric designEmphasizing a "user-centered" design, ASUS VivoWatch series features a large font display for clear readability, a straightforward interface to minimize complexity, and intuitive sliding functions, which thereby to be more accessible to senior and elder users. Pan emphasized that the product was undergoing extensive validation by older demographics to ensure it fully fit the needs.One of the unique functions of ASUS VivoWatch is its remote monitoring feature, allowing families to check the health status in real time. This feature enhances family connections and caregiving, thereby effectively addressing the need of an aging population. Dr Chang of FEMH also gave positive endorsement to this innovative feature, stating that this could bring significant benefit to family care.From a treatment-centric to prevention-focused model, the strategic alliance between ASUS and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital symbolized the transformative shift in healthcare service delivery mode. By leveraging innovation and technology integration the partnership aims to elevate Taiwan's healthcare industry and establish a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem with expanding smart wearable device scenarios to various medical institutions in the future.Partnership of ASUS and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital launches the project "Establishing Healthcare Ecosystem through Smart Wearable Devices"

Online wagering is no longer a solitary act—it thrives on real-time chats, shared wins, and community-driven play. Discord, once a haven for gamers, has evolved into a central hub where players trade strategies, join live tournaments, and react instantly within fast-moving servers. With voice channels, bots, and direct links to platforms, Discord seamlessly integrates conversation with action. It's not just a forum—it's part of the game itself.How digital wallets are reshaping player expectationsThe online gambling experience has evolved far beyond simple gameplay. Today's platforms aren't just places to place bets—they're ecosystems where speed, reliability, and seamless interaction define user satisfaction. As community platforms like Discord shape how players connect, the need for fast, secure financial movement has become equally central.Digital wallets have quickly become the connective tissue between gameplay and real-time access. Whether jumping into a fantasy draft seconds before it locks, grabbing a bonus in the middle of a live table, or moving between formats on the fly, one thing stays consistent: payments need to keep up. With e-wallets and crypto-based tools handling transactions at speed, players rarely miss a beat.What was once a luxury—fast withdrawals—has become a fundamental part of platform design. Players expect it, and providers have taken notice. Casinos leading the field don't stop at speed; they offer wide-ranging payout methods, user-friendly thresholds, and transparent rules tied to bonuses. According to insights by PokerScout, the most respected fast-payout platforms are built on a foundation of consistency, fairness, and proactive support. The result is a system that favors responsiveness over rigidity.This growing emphasis on speed and clarity isn't an isolated trend. It reflects a broader shift toward services that respond in real-time, mirroring the immediacy of modern digital life. As user expectations grow sharper, so must the tools and infrastructure that support them. The platforms that succeed will be those that treat financial flow as an essential part of the overall experience, not just a background function.Transactions without the waiting roomAs this sense of community has grown, so has the demand for smoother financial infrastructure. Long gone are the days of clunky bank transfers and days-long withdrawal queues. Digital wallets—Skrill, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and their crypto-friendly counterparts—are filling that gap, and doing so with startling efficiency.The appeal is obvious. A player can fund their account in seconds, switch tables, and—should fortune favor them—cash out just as swiftly. Many digital wallets now support instant withdrawals, bypassing the red tape that once soured the gaming experience. Combined with multi-layered encryption and biometric authentication, these wallets aren't just fast—they're safe, too.The compatibility between gambling platforms and wallet technology has improved dramatically. Issues like failed deposits or region-based restrictions have largely disappeared. Today's integrations are fluid, fast, and built for a global user base. Operators increasingly treat payments not as a side function, but as a vital part of user engagement. In fact, how gambling platforms manage payouts and financial security has become central to shaping the overall player experience.Where conversations and currency collideThis convergence of real-time community and real-time payments has reshaped the very definition of a gambling platform. What was once confined to a standalone website is now dispersed across digital touchpoints. Players might learn of a new bonus not via an email campaign, but through a Discord ping. They may join a poker tournament not by browsing a site, but after seeing a live countdown posted by a chatbot.What emerges is a decentralized gambling environment where engagement flows freely and organically. A player chatting in one tab can, within moments, be transacting in another. There is no disconnect. The social and financial layers work in tandem, reinforcing each other.Notably, this ecosystem supports more than just gameplay. It fosters loyalty. Regulars recognize each other by username, inside jokes develop, and moderators become trusted figures. In many ways, it's akin to the atmosphere of a small local casino—just digitized, global, and perpetually awake.Cryptocurrency's expanding roleCryptocurrency wallets are gaining traction not just for privacy, but for their speed, security, and utility—especially in regions where traditional banking feels restrictive. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC, now widely accepted, offer consistency without the turbulence of Bitcoin or Ethereum. They function more like digital cash, appealing to players who want fast, reliable payouts.As decentralized finance matures, more platforms are experimenting with blockchain-driven features: smart contracts, verified fair gaming systems, and even tokenized casinos. These changes are gradual, but the shift is unmistakable. The blend of community and tech has already moved gambling far beyond its solitary origins.Looking forwardWhat's unfolding isn't just a case of improved backend systems—it signals a shift in how online gambling is experienced. Social hubs are now central to player engagement. Platforms like Discord lead the way in interaction, while wallet tech removes transactional barriers. Together, they redefine the tempo of gameplay, with community-building platforms for digital engagement forming the connective tissue of this new ecosystem.The focus is shifting: less about isolated bets, more about ongoing presence and shared momentum. Money moves in sync with dialogue. Strategy unfolds in real-time. Players gather not just to win, but to belong.Even as technology evolves and regulations adjust, one thing is becoming clear: online gambling is no longer just about placing wagers. It's about participating in a connected, living network—where conversation, competition, and cash all flow together.Yet, amid this evolving landscape, players must remain mindful of the risks. While the experience is more immersive and socially driven, it's essential to set limits, stay aware of financial boundaries, and recognize the difference between engagement and excess. Smart play isn't just about strategy—it's about knowing when to step back, ensuring that participation remains enjoyable and sustainable. After all, in this interconnected world, the best wins come from balance.

Digital payments now make up more than half of retail transactions in the Philippines, rising from 42% to 53% in just over a year, as more people across cities and rural areas move away from cash and traditional banking.Non-bank lenders, now responsible for most digital credit activity, are expected to lend over US$550 million, driven by younger borrowers turning to faster alternatives and tens of millions of new downloads logged in the first three quarters.This shift goes beyond how people move money—it is changing how they interact with digital systems that combine practical tasks with entertainment. With fewer people relying on physical outlets for financial services or leisure, more activity now takes place in blended spaces, where everything runs through a single screen.That overlap is also reshaping how casino-style games are delivered. Instead of using direct deposits or card payments, many of these experiences now run through regulated sites that allow real rewards while staying within legal guidelines and offering easier access.These platforms use two types of virtual currency. Gold Coins are used for casual gameplay with no cash value, while Sweeps Coins—earned through purchases, bonuses, or other offers—can be redeemed for prizes once a set number is reached. It removes the usual payment friction, keeps the experience fast and familiar, and fits well with the way mobile-first users already move through digital spaces.To understand how deep this change runs, look at the infrastructure behind it: the national QR Ph standard now covers more than 675,000 merchant outlets nationwide, from urban malls to suburban bistros and wet markets.That means scanning to pay is no longer confined to tech hubs—it's a daily habit in small-town sari‑sari stores and public transport stops. The push didn't come out of thin air: government and private sectors collaborated throughout the pandemic to fast-track QR Ph deployment; it's now central to the Bangko Sentral's goal of shifting 60–70% of retail transactions into digital channels.While QR Ph strengthens domestic convenience, there are signs it'll reshape regional behavior too. Through ASEAN initiatives like Project Nexus, the Philippines is aligning its fast‑payment systems for cross-border transactions—so someday a QR scanned in Manila could work in Bangkok or Jakarta, using local currencies .On the credit side, non-bank lenders aren't idling—they now hold over 55% of the digital lending market, translating to more than US$ 550 million in loans. Many of those are microloans under PHP 20,000, extended based on app behavior and repayment patterns rather than traditional bank scores.The result: more Filipinos—including freelancers, small entrepreneurs, and remote workers—are getting access to finance they might otherwise miss.Even pawnshops and money service businesses have leaned into this shift. Home to over 22,700 outlets as of late 2024, these channels act as both remittance touchpoints and fintech access nodes, particularly in Luzon's hinterlands.In places where people once relied on cash or informal credit, a digital payment or app-based microloan is now available.Behind all this stands robust policy support, with new e‑money licenses, an updated National Payment Systems Act, and a revamp of digital bank rules. Over 70 electronic money issuers now operate under BSP oversight, joined by emerging digital banks.The same regulator is also exploring a wholesale central bank digital currency, primarily for improving interbank settlement and cross‑border transfer efficiency.What's unfolding isn't a sudden break from the past but a steady recalibration, where tools built for speed and access are now shaping the pace of everyday life, often without ever needing to be noticed.

Singapore has established itself as a leader in developments related to artificial intelligence. By using government funds, forging important partnerships, and investing heavily in talent, Singapore has managed to be a prime spot for AI investments and prepare for a future based on automation, digital infrastructures, and smart offerings.The government will use more than S$1 billion over the next five years for AI, mainly to acquire top-tier chips and shape a computing environment that can help new technologies in various sectors. Through Budget 2025, the government unveiled the Enterprise Compute Initiative with S$150 million intended for assisting companies to access AI and computing services by teaming up with leading cloud companies. The National Productivity Fund was boosted by S$3 billion to help companies become more innovative and raise efficiency.Still, building the strategy goes beyond putting in place the right technology. Launched late in 2023, the National AI Strategy 2.0 is aimed at bringing about long-term changes across various sectors. The plan is founded on three main goals: advancing the industry, training people, and joining efforts with other nations, by supporting 15 precise steps to support AI research, grow the number of skilled people locally, and increase Singapore's global AI importance. A key aim is to ensure the national AI workforce grows to have over 15,000 professionals by 2030.It is so effective due to how well it matches real-world situations. What used to be just a new technology is now a part of daily activities in Singapore. AI is used in hospitals to help with diagnosis and organize the care that patients receive. Because of predictive models, managing fleets, narrowing down delivery times, and saving fuel is now happening in logistics. AI is being used by manufacturers locally to monitor equipment and avoid breakdowns in advance.In addition, the impact reaches many areas, covering the way people get to and from work, how they work and how they relax. Smart Nation projects make use of AI to optimize traffic and manage the use of energy. AI speech recognition technology works with numerous languages in Southeast Asia to support more people in using various services. Also, entertainment is now focused on what suits each person, with services recommending different forms of entertainment using powerful algorithms.That same shift is happening in online gaming and betting. With more people choosing to bet online in Singapore, platforms are using AI to offer smarter odds, detect suspicious behavior, and personalize the user journey. These tools not only improve user experience but also help providers maintain integrity and security in a fast-paced digital space.The funding boom is already showing results. Singapore drew in nearly USD 2 billion in artificial intelligence investments last year. SMC and other companies were able to raise nearly half of the total amount through one round to promote their worldwide growth. AI Singapore and the MERaLiON Consortium are encouraging partnerships between local and global groups to increase the use of responsible AI. Because of its clear rules, strong leadership and first-rate research centers, Singapore keeps supporting the growth of regional tech companies.Another major part of the strategy is developing the workforce. Students are helped by LearnAI, and middle-career workers are updating their knowledge with the help of SkillsFuture. They are meant to help people take advantage of opportunities in fast-growing industries. In addition, companies gain value from the Workforce Development Grant, which assists with training their staff as they switch to digital platforms.More technology in everyday life is raising questions about ethics and what we should do. Clear instructions for fairness, transparency and accountability in the Singapore AI Governance Framework assist in addressing these issues. Since AI has a clear focus on real-world issues, regulators in the EU are using the same model in their other activities.Singapore's AI-driven transformation is reshaping industries, improving efficiency, and enhancing everyday life. However, as technology integrates deeper into financial systems, entertainment platforms, and even online gaming, individuals must remain vigilant about investment risks and responsible gambling. AI-powered financial tools and betting algorithms can enhance user experience, but they also require careful evaluation. It is essential to conduct thorough research, exercise caution, and make informed decisions to avoid potential pitfalls in rapidly evolving digital landscapes.

Shanghai is braced to welcome some of the biggest names in mobile technology to the 2025 Mobile World Congress at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from June 18th to the 20th. This event has been held in China for 12 years, and local and international operators, solution providers, and vendors have had the opportunity to come together to improve the connectivity ecosystem in the country.Mobile technology has never been as sought after, with communications providers and consumers relying on relationships to drive development. In 2024, it was estimated that around 71% of the planet now had access to smartphone devices, and they have improved convenience and access for many.Mobile banking and the rise of crypto investment and use are examples of how mobile technology has improved financial inclusivity for consumers in countries with unstable financial institutions. The gambling industry has also benefited massively from online operations, with consumers living in prohibitive regions now having access to real money online casino options both legally and safely.Mobile tech has also improved consumer convenience with all types of shopping and communication possible through mobile devices, facilitating an easier work-life balance.Events like the MWC have been instrumental in building relationships between stakeholders, developers, and legislators that have facilitated mobile tech growth. This platform was created by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a trade association tasked with supporting and promoting the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard.The GSMA now focuses on the standardization of tech and cooperation and interoperability between mobile networks. It provides industry insights and research, helping to encourage innovative mobile technology. There are now five MWC events held around the world, including the MWC Barcelona, Kigali, Las Vegas, Doha, and Shanghai events.MWC25 Shanghai is set to welcome approximately 40,000 attendees, with about 400 speakers and 250 exhibitors, and partners. Some of the featured speakers attending this year's event include the managing director of AI Club Asia, Bo Gao, China Mobile's Chengdu Industry Research Institute President, Yu Su, and China Telecom's chief scientist, Qi Bi.Speakers from Deloitte China, Intel, Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Space42, Qualcomm, Singtel, and ZTE will also be present, with a full list of speakers available to check on the MWC Shanghai 2025 website.News that the event agenda has been released will give attendees an opportunity to plan ahead, with countless talks and exhibits covering everything from cloud services, AI, transport, and mobile services to cybersecurity, corporate innovation, fintech, and much more. Everything kicks off with the opening ceremony at 9:00 am on Wednesday, the 18th of June, at the MWC Main Stage, which is located at the Grand Shanghai Ballroom.The opening ceremony will also feature the first keynote speeches from GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath, China Mobile's Yang Jie, and Singapore Telecommunications' Anna Yip. Visitors will hear about the potential of AI, open APIs, and the benefits of 5G networks from industry experts in a session moderated by GSMA CEO John Hoffman.Visitors will have a great choice of programmes to attend, with the final one taking place on Friday, the 20th, at 1:30 pm. Guang Yang, Neil Shah, and Fanni Li will look back over the event and discuss some of the key points and technologies that featured.Exhibitions will take place throughout the event, with the 4YFN zone being the place to investigate for those with an interest in exciting innovative startups. The IOTE showcase covers Internet of Things developments. Visitors can also enjoy the World Robot Contest Qualifying round, while the Future Tech Hall explores the benefits of emerging mobile technologies.ConclusionThe MWC25 Shanghai is China's premier mobile tech event and showcases the new technologies that could shape the future of tech development from June 18th to the 20th at the SNIEC.