Microsoft to Cut 9,000 Jobs Globally Amid AI Chip DelaysMicrosoft to Cut 9,000 Jobs Globally Amid AI Chip Delays
EU Unveils "European Quantum Strategy" to Lead Global Quantum Tech by 2030EU Unveils "European Quantum Strategy" to Lead Global Quantum Tech by 2030
FATF and BIS Highlight Systemic Risks of Stablecoins to Global Financial StabilityFATF and BIS Highlight Systemic Risks of Stablecoins to Global Financial Stability
IQM Achieves Quantum Computing Profitability by Emulating SpaceX's Early Revenue ModelIQM Achieves Quantum Computing Profitability by Emulating SpaceX's Early Revenue Model
Lyon to Phase Out Microsoft Products, Adopt Open-Source SoftwareLyon to Phase Out Microsoft Products, Adopt Open-Source SoftwareFrance’s third-largest city Lyon announced on June 27 it will replace Microsoft products—including Office and Microsoft SQL—with open-source alternatives like Linux, PostgreSQL, and OnlyOffice. The move aims to reduce reliance on U.S. software, extend hardware lifespans to cut environmental impact, and strengthen technical sovereignty in public services.
Trump Administration Moves to Speed Up Offshore Critical Minerals ExplorationTrump Administration Moves to Speed Up Offshore Critical Minerals ExplorationThe Trump administration announced on June 25 that it will accelerate exploration and development of offshore critical minerals, foreign media reported.
WEF Unveils Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 at Summer DavosWEF Unveils Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 at Summer DavosAt the 16th Summer Davos Forum on June 25, the World Economic Forum (WEF) officially released its 2025 list of Top 10 Emerging Technologies. The selected technologies include collaborative sensing, generative watermarking, green nitrogen fixation, nanozymes, engineered living therapies, GLP-1 drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, autonomous biochemical sensing, structural battery composites, osmotic energy generation systems, and advanced nuclear energy technologies.
Anthropic Data Shows Minimal Demand for AI Emotional Support via ClaudeAnthropic Data Shows Minimal Demand for AI Emotional Support via ClaudeAnthropic’s latest report reveals only 2.9% of users turn to its AI model Claude for emotional companionship, with conversations involving companionship or role-playing accounting for less than 0.5%. This contrasts sharply with perceptions of surging demand for AI companionship.
US Considers Ending Semiconductor Exemptions for China FactoriesUS Considers Ending Semiconductor Exemptions for China FactoriesThe U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is planning to revoke "blanket exemptions" that allow TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix to use American technology in their Chinese mainland facilities without prior approval, The Wall Street Journal reported on June 20. If implemented, the move would force these companies to apply for individual licenses for U.S.-made semiconductor equipment shipments to China, with approval processes potentially dragging on for months and disrupting production upgrades and capacity expansion .
China, Hong Kong Launch Cross-Border Payment Connect SystemChina, Hong Kong Launch Cross-Border Payment Connect SystemChina’s central bank and Hong Kong’s monetary authority launched "Payment Connect" on June 22, linking mainland China’s Online Interbank Payment Clearing System (IBPS) with Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS) to enable real-time cross-border remittances. The initiative, announced in a joint statement on June 20, aims to streamline cross-border transactions for residents in both regions.
UK Unveils New Policies to Bolster AI, Quantum Computing with Funding and Talent DriveUK Unveils New Policies to Bolster AI, Quantum Computing with Funding and Talent DriveThe UK government has introduced a series of new policies to significantly boost support for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. On June 22, it announced the establishment of a “Global Talent Fund” with an investment of £54 million to attract world-leading researchers to the UK. A “Global Talent Taskforce” was also set up, dedicated to recruiting scientists, engineers, and creative talents—with a special focus on key areas like AI and green technology—and encouraging them to innovate and develop long-term in the UK.
