The self-funded medical beauty market has gradually integrated into consumers' daily life, combining the pursuit of outer aesthetics with inner self-confidence, resulting in significant growth in the worldwide medical beauty business.According to a June 2024 survey conducted by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), plastic surgeons worldwide conducted over 15.8 million surgical procedures in 2023, in addition to the 19.1 million non-surgical procedures. Among them, non-surgical skin tightening treatments were ranked fourth in market demand.To capitalize on the substantial business potential within this sector, A-TOP Health Biotech, possessing robust R&D capabilities, introduced its proprietary product "JOUVENCE" to address the shortcomings of current thread materials. The product will soon be submitted for review by the U.S. FDA, with certification expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.As emphasized by Olivia Tseng, founder and chairperson of A-TOP Health Biotech, ongoing advancements in medical aesthetics technology have made major surgical procedures unnecessary for achieving skin firmness. Instead, lifting threads can now be inserted into targeted areas to achieve the desired results. Conventional lifting threads feature a "sharp barb" or "hooked" design that pierces the skin tissue, granting anchorage to facilitate skin lifting; however, this design often causes discomfort, and in some cases, patients may experience excessive inflammation requiring additional surgery.JOUVENCE lifting threads adopt a unique bionic cross-sectional design to avoid the discomfort caused by conventional barbed threads, thereby offering consumers a more comfortable and effective treatment experience.Tseng stated, "JOUVENCE will challenge the traditional paradigm of round thread materials, redefine the technical concept of thread lifting, seamlessly integrate technology and aesthetics to usher in a new era of innovation, and establish itself as a pivotal and trusted brand in the global medical beauty sector."3D Beauty-AI software enables innovation in lifting threadsA-TOP Health Biotech, founded in 2021, is driven by the mission of "Technology and Beauty, Touching the World". The company focuses on developing medical aesthetic and reconstructive surgical materials that are both clinically proven and highly safe, aiming to solve clinical challenges and enhance the quality and efficiency of aesthetic medicine.Its flagship product, JOUVENCE, is a world-first innovation developed using patented non-cutting molding and twisting technology, overcoming the limitations of traditional PDO lifting threads and offering four major advantages. First, its continuous structure provides stable support, reducing the risk of thread slippage and displacement. Second, it eliminates the breakage issues caused by stress concentration in cut threads, resulting in smoother surgical procedures. Third, the absence of sharp structures minimizes the sensation of foreign objects and reduces tissue irritation, significantly lowering inflammation and fibrosis. Fourth, it complies with standardized certification protocols, demonstrating rigorous biocompatibility and excellent product performance.In addition to product innovation, A-TOP Health Biotech addresses clinical pain points by introducing its "3D Beauty-AI Software" to assist physicians. By processing just 15 facial images, the software completes a 3D visual reconstruction, helping non-specialist doctors quickly grasp the key techniques for thread lifting and shortening the learning curve. The AI-generated 3D images also facilitate doctor-patient communication, enhancing transparency and trust in treatment, and further improving the overall medical aesthetic experience.Enhancing worldwide patent deployment: Focus on Taiwan, Thailand, and the USDespite Tseng's extensive practical experience in the medical devices and biotechnology sectors, A-TOP Health Biotech may continue to face multifaceted challenges in areas such as R&D, marketing, and fundraising as the company expands.By joining the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), the company gained valuable resources and received comprehensive support from the FlyingVest Accelerator, gradually overcoming key early-stage startup obstacles. The company also successfully secured a spot in the MEDICA Taiwan team organized by Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in 2024, demonstrating both its technological strength and market potential.In the context of global strategy, Tseng stated that A-TOP Health Biotech will prioritize Thailand, Taiwan, and the US as target markets, combining its JOUVENCE lifting threat technology with 3D Beauty-AI software to provide medical beauty clinics with comprehensive non-surgical skin tightening solutions.A-TOP Health Biotech aspires to establish itself as a globally influential medical aesthetics brand through innovative R&D and international patent strategy, realizing the brand vision of "Technology and Beauty, Touching the World."

TSMC's fourth-quarter profits jumped 57% to $11.4 billion, and while most analysts credit AI chip demand, there's another force quietly reshaping semiconductor markets. Blockchain infrastructure is creating demand patterns that extend far beyond cryptocurrency mining - we're seeing measurable pressure across multiple chip categories that most observers haven't connected yet.The applications driving this demand aren't limited to financial networks. Everything from supply chain verification systems to new bitcoin casinos requires specialized hardware that traditional computing applications never needed. Gartner projects this intersection will generate a $1.5 billion market opportunity by 2028, while Deloitte's research shows 70% of semiconductor executives expect blockchain to significantly impact their operations within five years. That's not speculation - it's capital allocation planning based on technical requirements they're already seeing.When Cryptography Meets SiliconHere's what makes blockchain different from typical computing workloads: the cryptographic operations require hardware that can handle intensive hashing calculations efficiently. GPUs, originally designed for graphics rendering, happen to excel at these mathematical operations. This creates competition for the same chips that AI applications demand, compounding supply pressures we're already experiencing.Hardware Security Modules represent another specialized requirement. These devices store and protect cryptographic keys, requiring semiconductors built to strict security standards. Unlike general-purpose processors, HSMs must meet specific compliance requirements while handling cryptographic operations at scale. Every blockchain network that processes sensitive transactions needs this type of hardware infrastructure.Infineon Technologies offers a practical example with their NFC cryptochips that combine blockchain verification with physical products. You can attach these chips to items and scan them to authenticate origins, creating a bridge between digital blockchain records and physical supply chains. This isn't theoretical; it's addressing real counterfeiting problems with measurable hardware requirements.The technical demands go deeper than most realize. Blockchain networks require nodes that can process and verify transactions continuously, demanding consistent computational power rather than the burst processing typical of many applications. This sustained load creates different thermal and reliability requirements for the underlying semiconductors.The Foundry ResponseMajor manufacturers aren't waiting to see how this plays out. TSMC has implemented blockchain technology within its own supply chain operations, tracking components from raw materials through finished products. When the world's largest semiconductor foundry adopts blockchain for internal operations, that tells you something about both the technology's maturity and the hardware demands it creates.IBM and Samsung's collaboration on blockchain-based component tracking represents another significant development. They're building platforms that require substantial processing power to handle supply chain verification across multiple manufacturing partners. Each verification operation demands computational resources, multiplying hardware requirements as adoption scales.The industry has committed $185 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, expanding manufacturing capacity by 7%. While AI applications capture headlines, blockchain infrastructure contributes to demand pressures driving these investments. TSMC expects its AI server processor revenue to triple in 2024, reflecting how blockchain and AI applications often converge on similar hardware requirements.Manufacturing processes themselves are adapting to include blockchain verification layers. This creates additional computational overhead during production, requiring more processing power throughout the manufacturing workflow. It's a feedback loop where blockchain adoption drives chip demand while simultaneously being integrated into chip production processes.Securing the Chain That Builds the ChipsThe semiconductor industry faces a $75 billion problem with substandard components entering global markets. Blockchain applications are addressing this directly by tracking manufacturing equipment and components throughout production cycles. Manufacturing machines get registered on blockchain networks with unique identities, creating tamper-evident records of their performance and maintenance history.This approach reduces the manual burden of identifying counterfeit or substandard components. Instead of relying on post-production testing and documentation review, blockchain verification can flag issues during manufacturing. The computational requirements for maintaining these verification networks add another layer to semiconductor demand.Supply chain security applications demonstrate blockchain's practical value beyond financial transactions. When you can track a chip from raw silicon through final assembly with cryptographic certainty, you're solving real problems that cost the industry billions annually. This creates sustainable demand for blockchain infrastructure rather than speculative applications.Beyond the Hype CurveIndustry projections show semiconductor sales reaching $697 billion in 2025 - an 11% year-over-year increase - with expectations of hitting $1 trillion by 2030. Blockchain infrastructure represents a meaningful portion of this growth, though it's often overshadowed by AI applications in market analysis.The sustainability of blockchain's semiconductor demand depends on practical applications rather than speculative projects. Supply chain verification, secure authentication systems, and infrastructure applications that solve measurable problems will drive continued hardware requirements. Gaming platforms, financial networks, and enterprise verification systems all represent sustained demand sources.Manufacturing capacity constraints affect blockchain infrastructure deployment just like other applications. The 7% capacity expansion planned for 2025 addresses multiple growth drivers simultaneously, with blockchain contributing to demand pressures alongside AI, automotive electronics, and traditional computing applications.Current capital expenditure commitments total $185 billion across the industry, but this may not adequately address combined demand from AI and blockchain applications. Lead times for advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment often exceed two years, meaning today's capacity decisions determine 2027's supply capabilities.The Semiconductor StakesWhile AI dominates technology headlines, blockchain infrastructure creates parallel demand streams that compound manufacturing pressure. 70% of executives expecting a significant blockchain impact aren't responding to speculation - they're planning for technical requirements they can measure and quantify.We're approaching an inflection point where blockchain applications prove their practical value while requiring substantial hardware infrastructure. Supply chain security, authentication systems, and verification networks all demand specialized semiconductors that didn't exist five years ago. The industry faces a dual challenge: scaling production capacity while implementing the very blockchain technologies that help secure that scaling process.The 2028 market projections provide a concrete checkpoint for these predictions. Whether blockchain infrastructure delivers on its $1.5 billion semiconductor market potential depends on the continued adoption of practical applications that solve real problems rather than speculative use cases.

As generative AI and edge computing technologies continue to evolve, Edge AI has become a key driving force for industries pursuing smart transformation. Recognizing this opportunity, Silicon Application Corp. (SAC) Group, a subsidiary of WPG Holdings and a global leader in semiconductor component distribution, announced today that it has obtained exclusive distribution rights for Axelera AI - an emerging European Edge AI chip company - in the Asia-Pacific region. The two parties will collaborate to combine SAC's strengths in supply chain integration with Axelera AI's technological innovation, aiming to help equipment manufacturers accelerate the development of Edge AI devices, enable independent software vendors (ISVs) to innovate more rapidly, and enhance the capabilities of system integrators (SIs) in deploying their smart applications."To promote the widespread adoption of AI, we launched the global partner program - the Axelera Partner Accelerator Network Program. We are pleased to have WPG Holdings' SAC Group as our core strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region, working together to accelerate the implementation and application of Edge AI solutions," said John Wilkins, Global Channel Sales Director at Axelera AI. Wilkins pointed out that SAC brings deep technical resources, long-standing customer relationships, and a strong commitment to innovation - qualities that make them the ideal partner to bring our transformative AI technologies to broader markets. Through our partnership with SAC, we believe that equipment manufacturers, SIs, and ISVs will be able to adopt Axelera AI's highly flexible, high-performance, and scalable Edge AI solutions more quickly. This will shorten development cycles from proof of concept to mass production, and accelerate the deployment of smart applications from edge to cloud across various fields such as security surveillance, drones, retail, healthcare, and industrial automation.""The SAC Group's vision of promoting smart applications through Edge AI aligns perfectly with Axelera AI's core mission of driving the widespread adoption of AI technologies," said Lawrence Chang, Vice President of Tactical Development BU at WPG Holdings' SAC Group. He noted that many of the product lines currently distributed by SAC already support Edge AI applications, spanning diverse scenarios such as smart manufacturing, smart buildings, and in-vehicle systems. This collaboration will further enhance and complete SAC's Edge AI product portfolio. Looking ahead, SAC will continue to strengthen its technical support capabilities, offering customers end-to-end services - from early-stage evaluation and product selection recommendations to system integration testing. This will help clients adopt Edge AI technologies and solutions more efficiently, as they move together toward a fully intelligent AI-driven future."In the first half of 2025, WPG Holdings achieved the highest global revenue among semiconductor distributors and has consistently led the industry in technological investment related to computing chips," said Eddie Chou, Senior Project Director in the CEO Office at WPG Holdings. Since the rapid rise of AI in 2023, WPG Holdings has launched an AI acceleration initiative focused on three core areas. On the product front, the company has expanded its AI product portfolio to meet growing customer demand and has been recognized by over 30 suppliers of AI-related chips - including those specializing in compute, power management, and other critical components supporting AI applications. It is now fully capable of providing a complete range of hardware and resources required for AI servers and data centres. In terms of services, WPG Holdings has trained its sales teams to gain a deep understanding of AI project requirements. In addition to basic component support, it now offers advanced, integrated sales services for system-level servers and AI computing power management. From an investment perspective, WPG Holdings has participated in strategic investments in advanced-process IC design, helping more strategic partners build a thriving and collaborative AI ecosystem. Aspiring to become a key player in the AI industry chain, WPG Holdings' reliable partnership with Axelera AI serves as a concrete step toward realizing a mutually beneficial and prosperous future for the whole industry.

While biopharmaceutical technologies have made substantial strides in treating diseases, drug research and development continue to face a multitude of obstacles, such as complex methodologies, high R&D costs, limited target options, and poor translational efficacy. This is particularly relevant for gene or RNA-level abnormalities, which are not effectively addressed by protein-targeting therapeutics, limiting their clinical impact.The rapid advancement in RNA biology has triggered a surge of interest and investment from pharmaceutical companies and the capital markets, accelerating the explosive growth of the RNA therapeutic sector. InFocus Therapeutics is leading this momentum, combining AI with RNA science to create the world's first and currently only "RNA-targeted small molecule drug generation platform." In just four months, InFocus successfully generated two series of drug candidates for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and advanced them to the animal efficacy and toxicity testing phase, demonstrating exceptional research and development efficiency.According to Emily Fang, CEO and founder of InFocus Therapeutics, the traditional drug development method is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and marked by a low success rate. In recent years, major pharmaceutical companies have poured significant resources into RNA-based therapies. Yet, a lack of innovative R&D strategies continues to limit their potential. On the other hand, most AI startups struggle to deliver true breakthroughs in this domain, largely due to a lack of real-world experience in early drug discovery and the complex process of transforming molecules into clinically viable, patentable drug candidates.InFocus rapidly gained traction by leveraging the team's deep expertise in AI and RNA technology, the discovery of novel chemical entities that differentiate from competitors and existing marketed drugs. In just four months, they identified two sets of promising therapeutic candidates, an achievement unmatched in the industry and now a key competitive advantage.40x Faster R&D Efficiency: Unlocking the Power of RNA-Targeted MedicinesFounded in 2023, InFocus Therapeutics specializes in the development of small-molecule chemical drugs that directly target RNA, an area poised to reshape modern therapeutics. The company brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts spanning molecular biology, AI algorithms, finance, and RNA drug discovery. Designed to tackle high-impact, hard-to-treat conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and metastatic cancers, InFocus has built a proprietary RNA-targeted small molecule drug generation platform that integrates advanced AI algorithms and specialized databases to automate the lead discovery process, from molecular design and generative chemistry to structure prediction and experimental validation. The result: a breakthrough platform that delivers up to 40 times greater R&D efficiency, rapidly uncovering best-in-class drug candidates far beyond the reach of conventional methods.Using spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a case study, InFocus's platform efficiently identified two promising compounds, IFT-0000002 and IFT-0000003, within a remarkably short timeframe. Both compounds demonstrated strong biological activity, good oral absorption, and toxicological profiles, establishing a solid foundation for further development. CEO Emily Fang highlighted that the InFocus platform achieves a 40% success rate in RNA-targeted drug development, far surpassing the typical ~1% success rate of traditional small-molecule drug development. This high efficiency represents a core competitive advantage for the company.Raising Capital to Accelerate Pipeline ExpansionInFocus is currently raising a US$1 million angel round to support critical next steps. The funds will be deployed to complete the preclinical development and animal studies for the SMA program, and to launch R&D on two new RNA-targeted cancer programs for drug-resistant prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. These efforts will significantly expand the depth and breadth of the platform's therapeutic reach.Commitment to Establish and Grow Taiwan as a Clinical Hub for Strategic CollaborationsTaiwan boasts a comprehensive health insurance system, a world-class medical system, a highly digitized medical record system, and a plethora of clinical research capabilities. It has long been the favored site for clinical trials for international pharmaceutical corporations. InFocus Therapeutics views Taiwan as a key launchpad for clinical collaboration and regional expansion, and plans to set up a subsidiary in 2025. It will engage with the company's proposed clinical trial application framework for 2026 and formally commence the product's admission into the clinical validation phase, while also accelerating the recruitment of local talent and partnering with clinical collaborators.Emily shared that when seeking collaboration opportunities in Taiwan, she fortuitously connected with Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) and joined its startup incubation program. InFocus gained valuable support and mentoring resources from the Mosaic accelerator, laying the groundwork for future investment and global market expansion. "Soon after our partnership with TTA, we engaged in the 2024 Founder Pitch event, which markedly improved our visibility and fostered connections within the investment community."Alongside its R&D milestones, InFocus is actively expanding its international investor network via TTA, aiming to accelerate the completion of its angel round fundraising and reinforce InFocus's leadership position in RNA-targeted small molecule therapeutics. With its AI-powered platform, high development success rate, and global footprint, InFocus is charting the path toward long-term growth in one of biotech's most promising frontiers.InFocus-BFMTV: InFocus founder Emily Fang was interviewed by renowned economist Nicolas Doze on BFM Business, France's number one financial news channel, and announced that it had received the Sanofi-sponsored 2024 Oncology "Golden Ticket" prize.InFocus Lab in a Loop: InFocus's proprietary artificial intelligence RNA drug discovery technology can generate high clinical potential therapeutic candidates targeting pathogenic RNA within a few months.

In an aging society, the care of chronic diseases has become a major social burden and has imposed significant impacts on the healthcare system. Elderly patients often face complicated medical procedures, unclear disease progression, and overcrowded settings in large hospitals. In 2010, Eric Lee returned to Taiwan from abroad to care for his mother, who had long suffered from chronic diseases related to bone and heart health, and went through firsthand the complexities of the healthcare system-ranging from resource bottlenecks to delayed diagnoses. Motivated by his personal journey, Lee co-founded AIM with physician Dr. Michael Yen in 2018. The company officially launched its product development activities in late 2020, focusing on solving pain points in chronic disease care for the elderly population through state-of-the-art AI diagnostic imaging technology.With Taiwan on the brink of becoming a super-aged society, diseases such as osteoporosis and degenerative arthritis are increasingly prevalent. However, early symptoms are often unnoticed or ignored, causing many patients to miss optimal treatment windows. Traditional diagnosis modalities like DXA bone densitometry or costly CT/MRI scans are time-consuming to schedule and not widely available, making large-scale community screening difficult. Furthermore, cardiac function assessment relies heavily on cardiologists operating advanced ultrasound systems, creating a bottleneck in primary care and public health services.Making Precision Care Accessible: The AI Revolution in X-ray and UltrasoundAccording to Lee, AIM's core technology leverages patented proprietary deep learning algorithms to analyze medical images from standard X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Its flagship solution, DeepXray, delivers automated bone density and joint degeneration analysis in under 30 seconds, generating clinically relevant reports. Validated by leading medical institutions including Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, DeepXray achieves over 0.9 correlation with gold-standard DXA scans and maintains a world-class absolute error below 0.05 g/cm2.The company's second core product, DeepSono, focuses on automated cardiac ultrasound analysis. Using portable ultrasound devices, DeepSono autonomously outlines myocardial contours and calculates ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS)-traditionally requiring manual assessment by cardiologists.AIM's solutions have earned Class II medical device certification from authorities including the US FDA, Taiwan's TFDA, Japan's PMDA, and Vietnam's IMDA, and are expanding to other targeted countries-making it one of the few Taiwanese medical AI startups with comprehensive international certifications.Scalable Business Model and Global ExpansionTo accelerate adoption, AIM offers medical institutions a printer and cartridge business model, including a one-time software license fee at 10% of the full cost to lower entry barriers, followed by a SaaS-based monthly subscription or usage-based billing. Since its 2024 certification, AIM's solutions have been deployed in over 50 clinics and hospitals across Taiwan and Vietnam, with entry into the Japanese market underway."In a competitive global medical AI market, AIM's edge lies in delivering quantitative diagnostic data-not just risk classification," said Lee. While most medical AI solutions on the market only classify patients into high-, medium-, or low-risk categories, AIM goes beyond simply identifying risk levels and provides actionable and clinically relevant number-based metrics. AIM also prioritizes algorithm optimization and platform-based, fully automated diagnostic workflows, significantly enhancing clinical efficiency. Its long-term mission is to democratize precision care by pairing affordable devices with advanced AI technology so that the general public around the world will all be taken care of.Future Roadmap: Elderly Mobility and Cardiac CareLee stated that AIM will continue to expand its product portfolio centered around elderly mobility and cardiac care by leveraging widely available X-ray and ultrasound devices in primary care settings. Upcoming features include sarcopenia risk prediction, enhanced integration of handheld ultrasound with AI, and new developments in abdominal ultrasound, AI-assisted chest disease detection, and preoperative anesthesia risk analysis.Lee also underscored the evolution of Taiwan's startup ecosystem, which in recent years has matured significantly, especially in terms of global outreach. Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) has actively facilitated overseas market connections and aligned investment resources, supporting AIM in its global expansion. In addition to tapping into international markets, Lee recommends that the government and hospitals provide more PoC/PoB habitats to accelerate the development and global reach of Taiwan's medical AI sector, increase clinical deployment opportunities for startups, and bring precision care to communities around the world.

This article outlines the various code storage flash technologies used today and their contribution to platform cybersecurity and resiliency. It also outlines the minimal set of requirements to meet the demands of cyber protection in 2025 and beyond.Non-volatile storage media contain all the essential platform assets. The platform code, operational data, user data, and various states of the platform. For that reason, the content of the non-volatile storage is considered to be the most vulnerable to cyberattacks. Such attacks may try to extract user data (privacy), platform or network data (stability and resiliency) or modify the platform code as an extended attack vector for more complex attacks.Previously, standalone devices with no network connectivity were common, requiring attackers to have physical access to compromise system code. Such equipment had to be physically manipulated in order to gain access to the content of the non-volatile (NVM) storage. In those platforms, we would have one of three possible configurations for the non-volatile storage:*Embedded flash - where the NVM would be part of the controller silicon*External flash - where the NVM would reside side by side with the controller device*Multi-Chip-Module (MCM) - where the NVM die would be placed in the same plastic package as the controllerEach of these configurations would have its pros and cons. The embedded NVM would be the most secure, as it could be made almost impossible for an attacker to probe and access the embedded NVM portion of the silicon die. However, embedded flash does not allow easy expansion in storage capacity, and is not available in advanced manufacturing processesThe external flash would prove to be the easiest to attack. Connecting simple bus "sniffing" equipment to the flash would allow an attacker to extract information, modify code and perform any other actions required to compromise the platform and its data.Unauthorized NVM Access & Bus SniffingThe MCM approach seems to have the benefit of limited physical access to the NVM Flash device, while offering better cost structure. However, it is fairly easy today to decap (open) any chip package and access internal connecting signals, making the MCM approach nearly as (non) secure as the external flash configuration.MCMIn order to mitigate attacks on NVM, a special type of flash was developed, called "Secure Flash" where the interface signals between the controller and flash are encrypted. This prevents the traditional probing attacks from being successful.Secure flashWith modern devices increasingly connected to networks, security risks have expanded beyond physical threats to remote cyberattacks. All the above attacks required physical access to the attacked platform because of no networking connectivity. This rather limited the scope of such attacks. However, most of the platforms today, regardless of their functions, become network-connected. This trend is driven by a few key concepts:*Extended functionality (by using network resources)*Ease of use*Remote management and information/statistics collection*Frequent, automatic firmware updates*Easier deployment and life cycle controlThe key driver for network connectivity is remote firmware update. This is mandated by all the latest standards and regulations, such as EU RED EN18031, US CNSA2.0, and the coming EU Cyber Resiliency Act. It is well understood today that orderly firmware updates are a must in order to keep systems resilient and protected, and their users safe.Making platforms network-connected and set up for automatic remote system updates opens up a whole new landscape of potential security attacks. This makes the physical protection, mentioned here before, an outdated issue in most cases, with the exception being open-loop financial transactions and ID cards (such as passports).Modern platforms must be protected from a completely different set of threats:*Unprotected and outdated updates - attempt to force a platform to revert to an older version of its software with known vulnerabilities or lack critical security features, making them easier for attackers to exploit.*Supply chain attacks - attempt to insert Trojan hardware or install malicious software at some point within the manufacturing, transportation, or distribution of platforms.*Storage breeching (keys, user data, credentials theft) - unauthorized access or compromise of stored sensitive information.*Threats to the resiliency of the platforms - attempt to infect systems with malicious code, exploit vulnerabilities in platform firmware, or make the platform unavailable by destroying critical data in NVM.It is well understood that large-scale attacks can be leased upon millions of devices without a need to physically access any of them. It is thus required to implement protection mechanisms against such potential attacks.Firmware update protection - latest standards call for protection of firmware updates in terms of integrity, authenticity, and freshness, allowing only a complete, signed, and newer version of firmware to replace an existing version. Moreover, the cryptographic signature mechanisms to be used must be quantum-safe, meaning algorithms developed to resist being attacked by quantum computers.Supply chain protection - this topic is at the top of the list for potential large-scale attacks published by EU ENISA in 2024. Due to the distributed nature of supply chains used in the production of electronic equipment, it is relatively easy for rogue players to replace key components such as the NVM devices and basic firmware code with devices and code that include malicious capabilities. These capabilities can then be employed to unleash a large-scale attack on infrastructure.Storage protection - if a platform is allowed to access any information in the NVM at any time, a rogue piece of code, even temporarily loaded into memory, can scan the NVM and access secret or sensitive data, transmit it back to the attacker, and even modify this data. It is essential to maintain privileged access restrictions on such data in the non-volatile memory.Platform resiliency - as more and more platforms become online and network-connected, it is essential to ensure they are kept in correct working order or otherwise gracefully brought down to ensure no harm is done if they are somehow compromised. To facilitate this, strong internal diagnostics of the NVM content (code and data) are required, and in the case of some malfunction, allow the platform to either fix the problem or go offline and shut itself down. Platform firmware resiliency is detailed in NIST SP 800-193.Given these contemporary threats, it is clear that NVM packaging technology plays a diminished role, if any, in platform cyber protection. The focus should be on using the appropriate NVM built-in security capabilities and configurations to minimize and eliminate these threats.The Winbond W77Q Secure Flash is introduced as a robust solution to address the outlined threats. The key features of W77Q Secure Flash relevant to the document's topics include:*Code and Data Protection: robust protection for both code and data, making it exceedingly difficult for hackers to tamper. RoT implementation follows the TCG DICE attestation mechanism.*Authentication: Winbond Secure Flash devices employ stringent authentication protocols, ensuring that only authorized actors and software layers gain access. *Secure Software Updates with Rollback Protection: The devices facilitate remote secure software updates while safeguarding against rollback attacks, ensuring that only legitimate updates are executed. To maintain the highest level of security and integrity during software updates, W77Q employs Quantum-Safe Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) algorithms, as recommended by NIST Special Publication 800-208. This method guarantees the authenticity and integrity of the updated software, thereby providing an additional layer of security for years to come.*Platform Resiliency: following NIST 800-193 recommendations, unauthorized code changes are automatically detected, enabling the system to automatically recover to a secure state and disturbing potential cyber threats.*Secure Supply Chain: The origin and integrity of flash content are guaranteed by Secure Flash at every stage of the supply chain. W77Q implements remote attestation based on LMS-OTS (NIST 800-208). This advanced approach effectively prevents content tampering and misconfiguration during platform assembly, transportation, and configuration, safeguarding against cyber adversaries.Winbond W77Q Secure Flash addresses critical security concerns discussed in the paper, providing strong protection for code and data storage while ensuring platform integrity, resiliency, and compliance with emerging cybersecurity frameworks.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.

Despite the increasing prevalence of AI applications, the majority of free translation solutions are incapable of satisfying the specific translation needs of enterprises in professional sectors, as they are designed to address generic situational requirements. Organizations that depend on free AI translation frequently must allocate substantial human resources to review and proofread, a process that is both labor-intensive and time-consuming. This holds true when using standard financial statements or product manuals as examples.Bytelingo has acknowledged this challenge and has implemented generative AI to offer translation solutions that are exceedingly precise, particularly for professional publications like annual reports and ESG reports. As of now, Bytelingo's services have been adopted by more than 150 publicly traded companies, with a renewal rate of 90%, indicating a significant level of market confidence.Ringo Chang, founder and CEO of Bytelingo, observed that common AI translation services, including ChatGPT, often produce "highest probability" assumptions based on model algorithms when faced with numerous proper nouns and terminologies (such as full names and abbreviations of products, subsidiaries, affiliated entities, government agencies, etc.), resulting in a considerable incidence of translation errors.Conversely, Bytelingo utilizes a different technique. It initially collects and classifies clients' historical translation papers and official website data, then integrates this information with existing professional databases, including accounting subjects and global standards, to improve translation accuracy and consistency.Exclusive technology outperforms peers with annual report translation taking only 3 hoursChang, with considerable expertise in AI algorithms, acknowledged the Financial Supervisory Commission's mandate for listed companies to submit English financial statements and ESG reports, resulting in the establishment of Bytelingo in June 2022 to tackle the challenges of professional translation for corporations.Initially, Bytelingo relied on proprietary AI models. At the end of 2022, as generative AI and large language model technologies progressed rapidly, the firm modified its product development strategy, concentrating on the development of an AI translation platform based on efficient large language models accessible in the market.Currently, Bytelingo maintains comprehensive databases comprising over 30,000 entries in accounting and sustainability, along with proprietary optimization methods that provide swift access to clients' company-specific information. After completing data preparation, the capabilities of generative AI are effectively governed through its advanced RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) technique, yielding more accurate and consistent translation outputs."Our service requires only one morning to finalize the data configuration, followed by merely three hours to translate the entire annual report," Chang emphasized that this efficiency substantially surpasses that of conventional manual translation, which frequently requires a month. Moreover, Bytelingo's pricing is only 50% to 70% of that of traditional translation agencies, enabling faster customer acquisition. He claimed that Bytelingo's publicly traded clients are expected to surpass 200 by the end of 2025.Full TTA support boosts global prominenceSince its inception, Bytelingo has garnered multiple honors and been selected for various startup awards and government subsidies. This includes the Taipei City Government's 2023 SITI Star investment-potential start-up team, the Ministry of Digital Affairs' Go Next Digital review award, and the endorsement from the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs for entry into TAcc+.Upon becoming a TTA (Taiwan Tech Arena) team, Bytelingo received mentorship and support from the STARTUP101 accelerator, which facilitated the company's business expansion, fundraising, brand visibility, and other critical areas.Chang stated that TTA resources and initiatives have afforded Bytelingo a global perspective. During a visit by a large German media conglomerate to TTA, Bytelingo was granted the opportunity to present on stage, therefore enhancing the company's brand recognition and providing substantial benefits in following endeavors to secure venture capital funding. In the future, Bytelingo will strengthen its collaboration with TTA and accelerate its global expansion.Bytelingo is not only translating annual and ESG reports but also diversifying its applications, encompassing product catalog and technical document translation, AI conference support, and AI product introductions, to more effectively meet the complex needs of companies in cross-linguistic communications.Considering international market prospects and the mandate from Japan's financial regulatory bodies for local companies in Japan to provide English annual reports, Bytelingo will utilize its successful model from Taiwan to enter the Japanese market and exploit opportunities in the AI professional translation service industry.Bytelingo offers a variety of AI platform modules to satisfy the unique translation process requirements of businesses. Credit: Company

Age checks online are now facing stronger criticism from both users and privacy advocates. As digital services expand, platforms are expected to meet higher standards for transparency and data handling. Many consumers are beginning to push back against identity checks that demand documents or personal data, especially when the process feels invasive or inconsistent. Governments, too, are reviewing how these checks are implemented and whether current systems offer real protection or just barriers to access.Users push back against unnecessary data requestsUsers are increasingly frustrated with how age checks are handled online. Many platforms ask for identity documents even when the content is low risk, creating barriers that feel unnecessary and intrusive. There is often little clarity about where this data goes or how long it is kept, leading to growing concerns around privacy and security.A clear example of shifting user sentiment can be seen in the increasing number of people seeking a casino without verification in 2025. These platforms are becoming popular not only for the entertainment they offer but also for their convenience, fast access, and strong focus on privacy. This trend reflects wider frustrations with current age-check systems across the internet, where users are often required to share documents just to view or access basic content. Many feel that such requests are unnecessary or poorly secured.Technology is both the solution and the problemAdvances in technology have made it easier for platforms to request identity confirmation. Facial recognition, document scanning, and AI-driven checks are now widely available. However, these same tools are causing concern. Users worry about how their data is stored, shared, or even sold. In many cases, platforms collect far more data than is needed for a simple age check. Once this data is held, there are questions about how long it stays on file and who has access to it.There is also growing concern around bias in automated systems. Some users report being wrongly denied access due to technical faults or mismatched results. When these systems replace human review, errors can go unchecked, leaving users locked out with no clear way to correct the problem. These frustrations are leading to renewed calls for simpler, less intrusive forms of age confirmation that don't rely on collecting personal data.Policy shifts may shape the next stepsRegulators are starting to take notice of the issue. In several countries, new rules are being proposed to limit the amount of data platforms can request. There is a strong push to make age checks clearer and easier to complete without forcing users to give up sensitive details. These changes are being driven by a wider interest in online privacy and data rights. As more people question how their information is used, lawmakers are under pressure to respond.At the same time, tech firms are testing new ways to confirm age without collecting documents. Some are working on systems that check device activity or use third-party services that don't store personal data. These developments are still in early stages but could offer a more balanced way forward. The goal is to provide access controls that work without turning every check into a privacy risk.User expectations are changing fastUsers now expect quicker access and fewer steps when visiting digital services. The old model of uploading IDs or waiting for approval feels outdated, especially for services where age is a minor factor. People are also more aware of privacy rights than in previous years, which means platforms can no longer rely on the same systems without facing pushback.Age confirmation will still be part of the online world, but the methods behind it need to shift. The focus is moving towards low-friction solutions that respect both safety and privacy. For tech firms, adapting to this shift is not only about compliance but also about staying competitive in a market where trust and ease of access are becoming key priorities.

Digital entertainment services increasingly operate beyond national boundaries, offering users access to media, games, and interactive content from anywhere in the world. This shift has been made possible by rapid advancements in technology that support scalability, speed, and compliance. From video streaming to online gaming, platforms must now be engineered to handle international access while delivering a consistent user experience. Understanding how this infrastructure works offers insight into the systems behind a fast-changing global market.Navigating regulation and access in global digital platformsCross-border platforms must account for regional differences in laws, languages, and user preferences. Flexible frameworks are essential, and cloud-based infrastructure plays a central role in storing and managing content across jurisdictions. These distributed systems allow services to remain compliant with local regulations while maintaining seamless performance for users worldwide.A clear example of this is seen in non-UK casinos accepting UK players. These platforms rely on technology to operate efficiently and within the rules of multiple regions. Legal geofencing tools, encrypted onboarding processes, and jurisdiction-specific compliance engines all help manage access without disruption. This level of control, delivered through software, ensures that platforms can serve international audiences while staying within legal boundaries.Cloud delivery and scalable performanceThe demand for smooth, real-time digital experiences continues to grow, especially in high-engagement areas like gaming, streaming, and live events. Platforms use edge computing and content delivery networks (CDNs) to reduce latency and ensure that content reaches users quickly, regardless of their location. These systems are essential in meeting the expectations of a global user base.Scalability is another key requirement. Cloud environments allow platforms to adapt automatically to changes in traffic, whether from a seasonal surge or a live broadcast. Features like auto-scaling and distributed load balancing help maintain performance during peak use. These capabilities are particularly valuable for digital entertainment platforms that rely on uninterrupted service to keep users engaged.Secure payments and international transactionsCross-border platforms must also handle payments across currencies and regions. Distributed payment gateways process transactions in real time, offering support for local payment methods while maintaining global connectivity. These systems manage everything from exchange rates to fraud detection, creating a smoother experience for users.Security underpins all of this. Technologies like tokenisation and multi-factor authentication protect financial data while maintaining compliance with global standards. Platforms that serve users internationally depend on secure and transparent payment systems to build trust and loyalty, whether the service involves media subscriptions, in-game purchases, or wagering on licensed gaming platforms.Device compatibility and responsive accessTo support access across regions and devices, platforms must be designed to adapt to a wide range of user environments. Responsive interfaces ensure that services perform well on everything from high-end desktops to older mobile phones. This is especially important in markets where mobile access is the primary point of entry.Developers use continuous deployment pipelines and adaptive testing frameworks to keep updates running smoothly across systems. Compatibility with Android, iOS, and web environments helps platforms maintain a consistent experience. These technical choices make it easier to reach international audiences without compromising usability or quality.ConclusionTechnology has become the foundation of global digital entertainment. From managing compliance and payments to delivering content at scale, each part of the system is carefully designed to support international access. As platforms continue to expand their reach, the ability to adapt to different regulatory environments, devices, and user expectations remains crucial. This supports user expectations and enables platforms to enter new markets efficiently.

Vietnam has emerged as a leader in global digital asset regulation with the approval of the Law on Digital Technology Industry on June 14, 2025. Taking effect on January 1, 2026, the law ends years of regulatory ambiguity by introducing clear licensing rules, compliance standards, and innovation incentives for the country's rapidly growing crypto market.This nuanced approach enables Vietnam to maintain rigorous control over financial activities while simultaneously fostering growth within sectors such as gaming and entertainment that utilize digital goods without direct financial implications. Online casinos also operate within this increasingly complex digital environment. As platforms that frequently incorporate cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals, they sit at the crossroads of financial regulation and digital leisure, prompting new considerations about licensing, consumer protections, and cross-border access. In jurisdictions where restrictions still apply, many users have turned to using VPN services to access top offshore platforms. These sites are popular not just for their accessibility but because they offer thousands of games, fast crypto payouts across multiple coins, and generous promotions such as welcome bonuses, cashback, and free spins, making them a formidable player in the global digital economy.The significance of this legislative development cannot be understated, particularly given Vietnam's prominent position in global cryptocurrency adoption rankings. The nation hosts millions of active cryptocurrency users and facilitates the circulation of billions of dollars in digital assets, all of which previously operated within an uncertain legal environment lacking formal recognition. This regulatory void has now been systematically addressed through the establishment of clear legal definitions and operational parameters for digital assets under civil law.The legislation introduces a crucial taxonomical distinction between two categories of digital assets that fundamentally shapes the regulatory approach. Crypto assets, encompassing tokens with inherent financial functionality, are subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight, including mandatory licensing requirements, maintenance of financial reserves, implementation of identity verification protocols, and adherence to anti-money laundering standards. Conversely, virtual assets, which encompass in-game currencies and other non-financial digital commodities, operate under a more permissive regulatory framework. This nuanced approach enables Vietnam to maintain rigorous control over financial activities while simultaneously fostering growth within sectors such as gaming and entertainment that utilize digital goods without direct financial implications.The law's most transformative requirement mandates that all cryptocurrency exchanges operating within Vietnamese jurisdiction obtain local licensing. These entities must meet capital requirements, maintain a physical presence, and follow security and anti-money laundering standards aligned with global norms. This addresses prior criticism that Vietnam's financial system was vulnerable to money laundering due to regulatory gaps. The government's proactive response demonstrates a clear commitment to establishing a transparent and compliant digital finance sector.The economic implications of this regulatory framework extend far beyond compliance requirements. The legislation is anticipated to stimulate substantial investment by providing startups with a stable legal foundation upon which to develop their operations. Major international cryptocurrency platforms, including established entities such as Coinbase and Binance, may find the Vietnamese market significantly more attractive given the clarity and predictability offered by this structured regulatory environment. The timing of Vietnam's regulatory initiative aligns strategically with increasing digital asset interest throughout Asia, potentially positioning the nation as a regional leader in financial technology innovation.The law's scope encompasses broader digital development objectives through the introduction of comprehensive incentives for companies engaged in advanced technologies, including blockchain, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. These incentives manifest through various mechanisms, including tax deductions, import duty exemptions, land-use support, and favorable conditions for foreign technical experts. Through these measures, Vietnam seeks to substantially increase the number of domestic technology companies over the forthcoming decade, establishing the foundation for a digitally-driven economic transformation.Large-scale investment opportunities receive particular attention within the legislative framework. Companies committing expenditures exceeding eighty million dollars for data infrastructure development or one hundred sixty million dollars for semiconductor production may qualify for additional tax relief and enhanced access to skilled workforce resources. These incentives are strategically designed to enhance Vietnam's attractiveness to global investors seeking a stable and progressive operational base within Southeast Asia.While the legislation sets the core regulatory framework, it leaves room for the government to refine key details during the transition period. Upcoming sub-decrees will clarify rules on DeFi, stablecoins, digital asset taxation, and enforcement. These next steps will be vital in shaping the effectiveness and competitiveness of Vietnam's digital asset system.Vietnam's digital asset law marks a transformative shift in fintech regulation, offering legal recognition, stricter compliance, and strong business incentives. This forward-looking framework positions the country as a leader in digital economic development and a potential model for other emerging markets.