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Strong international validation for India’s ambitions in semiconductors and artificial intelligence has emerged during Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to Veldhoven, the Netherlands, where he held discussions centred on advanced manufacturing technologies and long-term collaboration. Vaishnaw described the engagement as a major opportunity to understand cutting-edge systems and align partnerships that could accelerate India’s high-technology ecosystem.

The visit to Veldhoven, home to the world’s most sophisticated chipmaking equipment capabilities, comes at a time when New Delhi is pushing to anchor itself more firmly in global semiconductor supply chains while building domestic capacity. Vaishnaw indicated that interlocutors acknowledged India’s policy direction and scale as compelling factors for deeper cooperation across semiconductors and artificial intelligence, two areas that are increasingly intertwined in next-generation computing and industrial automation.

Discussions during the trip focused on lithography technologies, supply-chain resilience and skills development, according to people familiar with the engagements. India’s pitch rests on a combination of policy incentives, a large engineering workforce and expanding demand from electronics, automotive and data-driven sectors. Officials accompanying the minister underlined that partners in Europe see India as a credible long-term manufacturing and innovation base rather than merely a consumption market.

The Netherlands occupies a critical position in the global chip industry because of its dominance in extreme ultraviolet lithography, a technology essential for producing advanced semiconductors. India’s engagement with Dutch stakeholders is therefore viewed as strategically important, particularly as countries and companies diversify supply chains amid geopolitical and commercial pressures. Vaishnaw’s meetings sought to map pathways for collaboration spanning equipment ecosystems, materials, precision engineering and research linkages.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the conversations, reflecting the convergence between advanced chips and AI workloads. Executives and policymakers discussed how specialised processors, high-performance computing and data infrastructure underpin AI deployment across sectors such as healthcare, mobility, energy management and public services. Indian officials emphasised the country’s growing base of AI startups, public digital platforms and applied research, arguing that closer alignment with global technology leaders would strengthen both sides.

The endorsement referenced by Vaishnaw also reflects broader international assessments of India’s semiconductor strategy, which combines fiscal incentives with infrastructure support and regulatory facilitation. Several fabrication and assembly projects have been announced across different states, while partnerships with global firms aim to address gaps in design, packaging and testing. Industry analysts note that execution risks remain, including timelines, talent depth in specialised manufacturing and integration into mature supply networks, yet acknowledge that momentum has improved.

From the Dutch perspective, collaboration with India offers access to a fast-growing market and diversification beyond traditional hubs. European technology firms have been recalibrating their engagement with Asia, balancing commercial interests with strategic considerations. India’s emphasis on trusted partnerships and standards-based cooperation resonates in this context, particularly in areas linked to critical technologies.

Vaishnaw’s visit also included interactions with research institutions and industry representatives to understand best practices in precision manufacturing and workforce training. Officials highlighted the importance of skilling programmes that align academic curricula with industry needs, a factor seen as decisive for sustaining semiconductor operations. India has been expanding such initiatives, including specialised training for chip design and manufacturing processes.

The talks in Veldhoven are part of a broader diplomatic and industrial outreach aimed at positioning India within high-value segments of global technology chains. Previous engagements with partners in East Asia and North America have similarly stressed co-development, supply assurance and innovation partnerships rather than transactional sourcing. The Netherlands visit adds a European dimension to that strategy.

We sincerely thank our customers for their continued trust. AIA Hong Kong’s sustained leadership in the number of new business policies reflects that when people seek to protect their own and their loved ones’ future through insurance, AIA’s quality health and wealth solutions — together with services and experiences that go beyond traditional insurance — consistently stand out as their preferred choice.

We remain committed to protecting every moment that matters and helping people and the communities we serve to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

Notes:
* Source: The latest provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business from January to September 2025.

** Based on statistics from Insurance Authority released since 2014 – Provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business.

Hashtag: #AIAHongKong

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About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners¹, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers², offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

¹ As at 30 June 2025
² Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)

All nominations will undergo a rigorous screening and evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, which comprise leading scientists from around the world, including laureates of prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, the Turing Award, and the Millennium Technology Prize.

The evaluation process is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, with the 6th VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony slated for early December 2026. Nominations submitted after April 17, 2026 will automatically be considered for the 2027 season.

In order to provide comprehensive information and strengthen engagement with its global network of nomination partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two international webinars in the first quarter of 2026, featuring insights and perspectives from representatives of the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee, and VinFuture Laureates. The first webinar will take place at 8:00 AM on January 26, 2026 (Hanoi time).

In 2026, the VinFuture Prize will continue the implementation of its Top Nominators Recognition Program, formally acknowledging the exceptional contributions of scientists whose discernment and scholarly leadership are instrumental in identifying and nominating scientific and technological achievements of transformative significance for humanity.

Having completed five successive and highly successful award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has established itself as a globally respected distinction within the international science and technology community. To date, it has received a cumulative total of 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories and has recognized 48 outstanding scientists whose pioneering work has delivered profound, enduring, and far-reaching benefits to humanity.

Many of the achievements recognized by the VinFuture Prize are closely aligned with major milestones in human progress, ranging from global networking technologies, PERC solar cells, lithium-ion battery energy storage, and artificial intelligence to essential fields such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. Reflecting its expanding international reach, VinFuture’s global nomination partner network now includes nearly 15,000 scientists worldwide.

Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, stated: “After five years of establishment and development, VinFuture Prize has steadily affirmed its position as one of the world’s leading global science prizes, where outstanding scientific excellence is honored in parallel with social responsibility and the long-term interests of humanity. As we enter the 2026 season, we anticipate that nominations will continue to demonstrate the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing global challenges in a comprehensive manner, thereby advancing breakthrough solutions with strong applicability and the capacity to generate positive and sustainable impacts on a global scale.”

With its established international stature and credibility, VinFuture has contributed meaningfully to positioning Viet Nam as an emerging hub for global knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. Numerous VinFuture partners have traveled to Viet Nam to engage in academic exchanges, share professional expertise, and strengthen ties with the domestic scientific community. Notable participants include Professor Aldo Steinfeld of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), recipient of the 2024 SolarPACES Lifetime Achievement Award; Professor Kurt Kremer, Honorary Director of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany); and Professor Chuanbin Mao of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (China), ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in biomedical engineering…

Through VinFuture, many Vietnamese scientists have likewise gained access to, and established collaborations with, leading global researchers, actively engaging with the international scientific community to help shape a sustainable future for Vietnam and for humanity at large.

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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At HUAWEI CONNECT 2025, Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions from Huawei’s Electric Power Digitalization Business Unit, gave a statement.

“In the power industry, there are three key trends on the distribution side. Firstly, a massive amount of new energy will be integrated into the grid. Taking China as an example, by 2030, the installed capacity of distributed PV will reach approximately 1,000 GW. Secondly, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to grow rapidly, with around 110 million EVs and approximately 55 million charging piles projected by 2030. This poses significant challenges for power distribution. Thirdly, digitalization is accelerating. AI has gone from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a ‘must-have.’ Power systems cannot achieve effective protection, automation, or digitization without high-quality data and reliable communication. In medium-voltage grids, we rely on private wireless networks to achieve reliable backhaul and support endpoint control. I believe 450 MHz is the optimal solution. As the lowest band within 3GPP standards, it offers wide coverage, supports vast amounts of connections, and provides highly reliable network performance, all at a low cost. Moreover, it benefits from a mature ecosystem. This makes it perhaps the best solution for power companies undergoing digital transformation.”

At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Huawei will showcase more success stories in private wireless networks and 450 MHz applications, along with innovative solutions for intelligent power distribution, substations, and power plant inspections. To explore successful digital transformation in the power sector, visit the Huawei booth at stand 1H50, Fira Gran Via Hall 1. For more information, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/industries/grid.

Hashtag: #Huawei #intelligentdistribution #electric #grid #powersystem #powerwireless

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The TRUCKAIR solution integrates road and air freight to strike an optimal balance between cost and speed. Following inland pickup in China, the goods are transported via truck to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they are transferred via air freight for onward delivery to Istanbul, and thereafter onwards to other European destinations via various modes of transport. While costs may vary from shipment to shipment for this tailor-made solution, customers have reported six-digit figures in savings over the two months of adopting TRUCKAIR multimodal solution over airfreight solution. Additionally, with the TRUCKAIR multimodal service, the total transit time from China to Türkiye is approximately 9 to 11 days, only 4 to 5 days longer than usual transit time of 4 to 7 days by only air freight, making this service a prime choice for companies seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution for high-volume shipments.

“Demand for agile and cost-efficient logistics solutions continues to rise, backed by sustained growth in China–Europe and broader Asia–Europe trade. DHL’s latest market update points to tight capacity and rate increases into Chinese New Year, with a demand peak expected in early February 2026; TRUCKAIR helps customers avoid short term volatility while maintaining predictable lead times. China’s total imports and exports of goods grew 3.6% in the first eleven months of 2025, signaling a steady recovery in trade momentum. The European Union was also China’s second-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade up 5.4% year-on-year to RMB 5.37 trillion,” said Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China. “TRUCKAIR was developed to meet this growing demand for greater flexibility and predictability in cross-border shipments, enabling businesses to control costs without compromising speed.”

Designed for high-volume, general cargo shipments, the TRUCKAIR solution offers customers a cost-effective alternative to traditional air freight while maintaining delivery timelines suitable for retail and other time-sensitive and high-volume industries. Customers may also integrate TRUCKAIR with DHL’s broader portfolio of forwarding services to build customized, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

“The strategic design of the TRUCKAIR route reflects China’s pivotal role as a global trade hub,” Aditi added. “With its vast network, well-developed logistics infrastructure and rapid adoption of smart technologies and automation, the country is uniquely positioned to maintain strong connectivity with international markets. Leveraging these strengths, TRUCKAIR helps businesses to navigate supply chain challenges amid evolving global trade patterns and serves as a gateway for other Asia-Pacific markets to access Europe efficiently.

Hashtag: #DHL

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DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

A shift towards paperless aviation credentials gathered pace as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation rolled out an Electronic Personnel Licence for commercial pilots, marking a structural change in how flight crew qualifications are issued, verified and carried. The initiative covers Airline Transport Pilot Licence holders and is designed to replace physical documents with a secure digital alternative accessible through the eGCA mobile application.

Officials said the Electronic Personnel Licence, or EPL, allows pilots to store and display their credentials on smartphones and tablets, reducing reliance on printed licences that can be lost, damaged or delayed during renewals. The digital licence is issued directly by the aviation regulator after validation of training records, medical certification and flight experience already housed within the eGCA system, which has been the central portal for licensing and examinations for several years.

The move aligns civil aviation oversight with global trends in digital identity management, particularly as airlines and regulators seek faster verification processes. Under the new system, the EPL carries a dynamically generated QR code that can be scanned by airlines, airport authorities and foreign regulators to confirm authenticity in real time. DGCA officials indicated that the licence is tamper-resistant and protected by multi-layer authentication linked to the pilot’s registered credentials.

Paper licences give way to secure digital credentials is how the regulator internally describes the transition, emphasising both operational efficiency and security gains. According to people familiar with the rollout, the digital format also shortens turnaround time for licence issuance and endorsements, which previously depended on manual checks and physical dispatch.

Pilots holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence are the first group covered, reflecting the operational importance of captains and senior first officers in commercial aviation. DGCA plans to extend the framework to other categories, including Commercial Pilot Licence holders, aircraft maintenance engineers and cabin crew, once the system stabilises and feedback from initial users is assessed.

Airline operators have welcomed the development, noting that licence verification is a routine but critical compliance task. Flight operations departments often need to validate licences at short notice for roster changes, wet leases or overseas operations. A digital licence accessible through an official app reduces administrative friction and supports faster decision-making, particularly for international deployments where foreign authorities seek immediate confirmation of credentials.

The launch comes amid sustained growth in domestic and international air traffic, with fleet expansion and accelerated pilot hiring placing additional pressure on regulatory processes. Training organisations and airlines have repeatedly flagged delays in licence endorsements as a bottleneck, especially during aircraft type transitions. By integrating the EPL with existing digital records, the regulator aims to address those concerns without compromising oversight.

Security has been positioned as a central feature rather than an add-on. The EPL is designed to function both online and offline, allowing pilots to present credentials even in low-connectivity environments, while ensuring that any verification attempt flags expired or suspended privileges. DGCA officials said this feature was essential for remote airfields and international operations where network access may be inconsistent.

The initiative also responds to a broader push by governments and regulators to adopt digital public infrastructure. Within civil aviation, several jurisdictions have begun experimenting with electronic licences and medical certificates, though adoption has been uneven. Industry experts note that interoperability and trust between regulators remain key challenges, as foreign authorities must be confident in the issuing system’s integrity.

From a compliance perspective, the electronic licence does not alter the underlying regulatory requirements. Pilots must continue to meet medical, proficiency and recency standards, and enforcement actions remain unchanged. The EPL is a format change rather than a relaxation of rules, a point DGCA officials have stressed to avoid misinterpretation within the industry.

Training academies and pilot associations have sought clarity on transitional arrangements, particularly for pilots flying internationally. DGCA has indicated that the physical licence will remain valid during a defined transition period, allowing operators and foreign regulators time to familiarise themselves with the digital format. Guidance notes circulated to airlines outline verification procedures and recommend carrying both digital and physical copies during the initial phase.