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Thursday 2 October 2025
SK Group partners with OpenAI to advance global AI infrastructure
Seoul, October 1, 2025 - SK Group announced today that SK Chairman Chey Tae-won and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met at SK headquarters in Seoul to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop an AI Data Center in South Korea as part of the Stargate project
Hardware Security
Hardware security is crucial for providing robust protection for sensitive data in our increasingly interconnected environment. Relying solely on software protection is insufficient to prevent the rising threats of remote cyberattacks.
Thursday 9 October 2025
IMPACT 2025: Asia's Largest Packaging & PCB Event in the AI Era
The IMPACT Conference, Asia's largest international event on advanced packaging and circuit boards, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year at Nangang with its biggest program to date. Running from October 21–24, and held concurrently with the TPCA Show (October 22–24), IMPACT 2025 will spotlight the theme: "Energy-Efficient AI: From Cloud to Edge." The conference will examine how AI applications are expanding from massive data centers to edge devices, underscoring the critical role of semiconductor packaging, PCBs, IC substrates, and advanced technologies in enabling high-performance, low-power solutions. Taiwan's leadership as a global hub for semiconductor packaging and circuit boards will once again take center stage.Opening Keynotes – TSMC × AWS × IntelOn October 21, the opening ceremony at the Taipei HNLAI Hotel will feature three industry leaders:-Dr. Frank Lee, Vice President, TSMC – on advanced process nodes, 3D integration, and CoWoS/InFO packaging to achieve high-efficiency computing and sustainable AI infrastructure.-Dr. Babak Sabi, Vice President, AWS – on packaging and system challenges for rapidly expanding AI data centers and strategies to address them.-Jatin Upadhyay, Vice President, Intel – on next-generation data center architecture, including memory, interconnects, power and thermal management, and supporting software ecosystems.Together, they will chart the future blueprint for AI efficiency, packaging technology, and system design.Global Spotlight – Japan & Korea ExpertsFollowing days will feature:-Dr. Takao Iwaki, Director, Mirise Technologies – on chiplet and SoC solutions for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).-Dr. Sung Jin Kim, CTO, Absolics – on next-generation glass substrates and their opportunities and challenges.40+ Technical Sessions across 3 DaysOver three days, 40+ technical forums will bring together global leaders such as AMD, Applied Materials, ASE, Intel, Lam Research, MKS' Atotech, Qnity, DuPont Electronics, and SPIL. Highlights includes, Japan & Korea sessions (JIEP, ICEP, ISMP) delivering first-hand insights. A debut Open Seminar co-hosted with TPCA Show featuring Applied Materials, Reconac, Sony, Yole, and industry expert Rocky Wu. The SMTA Forum, offering global perspectives on advanced packaging and PCB technologies.20th Anniversary – Industry × Academia for the AI EraFor two decades, IMPACT has been the premier international platform for industry-academia exchange in packaging and PCB. To mark its 20th year, IMPACT 2025 will introduce the "Student Program" for Students, offering: Learning through the Master Lecture featuring professors from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and the National University of Singapore, Networking through dedicated academia-industry matchmaking and Career opportunities with exclusive gifts and activities designed to engage young talent.Additionally, the 20 Legacy Series will bring together global industry leaders and the next generation of professionals to embrace the future of AI and semiconductors. Click here to register now.Plenary Speaker at IMPACT 2025 highlights advanced packaging and AI trends. IMPACTIMPACT 2025 marks its 20th anniversary with the Legacy Event. IMPACT
Thursday 9 October 2025
How Fintech Innovations Are Transforming Online Gambling
Instant open-banking payments have become a defining feature of the modern gambling experience. In Finland, new financial technology is being introduced in connection with upcoming regulatory reforms scheduled for 2026, allowing players to move money directly from their bank accounts with unprecedented speed. Similar systems are already spreading across Europe, with the difference striking when compared with older methods that sometimes left players waiting days for deposits or withdrawals. When you can move funds instantly, you gain confidence in the platform and can focus on the experience itself rather than wondering when a transaction will clear. These seamless banking options also reduce the risk of errors and disputes, creating a smoother interaction between you and the operator. For example, in the UK, by July 2025, open banking services had over 15.16 million users (nearly one in three adults), making 29.89 million transactions in that month alone. As regulations oscillate, you will likely see open-banking frameworks adopted more widely, making fast and secure transfers a new standard.Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Provably Fair PlayThe integration of cryptocurrencies has shifted from an experimental idea to a practical tool within online gambling. With blockchain technology, players can now verify that random number generation and game outcomes are provably fair, which reduces uncertainty and builds trust. In practice, this means you can look under the hood of a system and see exactly how outcomes are generated. Transaction times are another area where blockchain shines, as crypto withdrawals can clear in minutes, compared with the lengthy delays of traditional banking. The appeal grows further when you consider transaction costs: moving money with cryptocurrencies often avoids the heavy fees attached to cross-border banking. If you are an international player, this can make a meaningful difference to your overall experience: transparency, speed and lower costs combine to make blockchain an increasingly attractive option for casual users and high-frequency gamblers valuing efficiency.AI and Behavioural Insights Protect Players and Personalise ExperiencesArtificial Intelligence is now a cornerstone of how online gambling platforms operate, going well beyond basic customer service. Modern AI systems study patterns of play to identify early signs of problematic behaviour, allowing intervention before losses spiral. As a player, you may receive personalised alerts or nudges when your behaviour changes, which can help you maintain a healthier relationship with gambling. At the same time, AI is working to make your experience more engaging, with tailored game recommendations, bonuses and even interface layouts that reflect your preferences. Support has also improved: chatbots powered by machine learning are increasingly capable of resolving questions quickly, cutting down on frustration when you need assistance. This dual focus (protecting you from risk while also improving your enjoyment) illustrates how AI is becoming a key part of the balance between entertainment and responsibility. Resources like Kasinoranking.com are also playing a part in this space, helping Finnish players navigate features such as AI-driven safety tools, provably fair games and modern payment systems reinventing the market.Regulatory Tech, Player Safety & Transparent OperationsAcross many jurisdictions, regulators are demanding greater transparency from online gambling operators. In the United Kingdom, for example, financial risk checks are being introduced for players who deposit above certain thresholds, with new rules lowering the monthly trigger point from around £500 to £150. This means you may be asked to verify affordability earlier than before, reflecting a push to protect vulnerable groups. Game design is also subject to reform: features like autoplay have been restricted, minimum spin speeds have been mandated, with players now seeing running totals of time spent and net wins or losses. These measures may seem restrictive at first, but they exist to give you clearer visibility and more control over your gambling habits. At the same time, regulators are scrutinising how operators protect player funds, particularly in cases of insolvency, which adds another layer of reassurance. Ultimately, the combination of financial oversight and gameplay transparency creates a safer backdrop for everyone involved.Tokens, NFTs and New Incentives for EngagementDigital tokens and non-fungible tokens are redefining loyalty programs within the gambling industry. Instead of traditional points systems, some operators are experimenting with blockchain-based assets that can be collected, traded or redeemed across multiple platforms. You might, for example, earn a token for reaching a milestone that could later have value outside the original platform. Ultimately, this blurs the line between playing for entertainment and participating in a wider digital economy. For many players, such rewards increase engagement and make the experience feel more interactive. As an illustration, Scandinavian markets are particularly receptive to these innovations, as players there are accustomed to advanced fintech features and transparent regulation. With new models emerging quickly, it is worth watching how digital rewards influence future gambling ecosystems and how they may connect to broader financial markets.Key TakeawaysFintech is reinvigorating online gambling in fundamental ways: first, the rise of open banking means you can move funds with a level of speed and simplicity that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago; second, cryptocurrencies and blockchain are bringing transparency to outcomes and efficiency to transactions, while AI is tailoring experiences and spotting risks in real time. In tandem, regulators are also stepping in, raising standards for safety and transparency to keep operators accountable. On top of this, new forms of digital rewards, from tokens to NFTs, are offering novel ways to engage. As a player, you now find yourself at the intersection of finance, technology and entertainment, where every year brings new tools and safeguards. Keeping up with these changes helps you make better choices and enjoy a more rewarding experience in a rapidly transforming terrain.How Fintech Innovations Are Transforming Online Gambling. Unsplash
Wednesday 8 October 2025
Tescan acquires FemtoInnovations and launches Laser Technology Business Unit
Tescan Group in September 26, 2025 announced the acquisition of FemtoInnovations, a leading innovator in ultrafast laser technologies, and the creation of a dedicated Laser Technology Business Unit (LT BU) headquartered at the University of Connecticut (UConn) Tech Park. The new unit expands Tescan's correlative and multimodal portfolio for semiconductor, biomedical device manufacturing, and advanced research markets. FemtoInnovations brings to TESCAN a unique and disruptive laser platform-technology already proven in demanding workflows and attracting strong interest from leading global players across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech industries. "Bringing FemtoInnovations into the Tescan family is a strategic step that strengthens our ability to deliver end-to-end workflows. By combining ultrafast laser micromachining with our leading imaging and analysis platforms, we're enabling customers to move faster from problem to insight across failure analysis, sample preparation, R&D, and advanced manufacturing," said Jean-Charles Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Tescan Group. Tescan will unveil the portfolio at ISTFA 2025 (Pasadena, CA) in November. "Our team has always been driven by the pursuit of innovation and the development of disruptive laser processing technologies. By combining our ultrafast laser systems with Tescan's leading imaging and analysis platforms, we are creating a powerful new dimension of integrated workflows. This partnership will accelerate discovery and redefine what's possible for our customers. We are excited to combine forces and contribute to Tescan's legacy of excellence and innovation," said Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Co-Founder, FemtoInnovations. The Laser Technology BU will be headquartered at the University of Connecticut Tech Park (UConn), tapping into its research ecosystem, talent and infrastructure. It will work in close synergy with Tescan's Electron Microscopy and Micro-CT business units to deliver integrated workflows beginning in 2026. A new FLAME Center (FemtoInnovations Laser Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering) will be established at the Innovation Partnership Building of UConn Tech Park to fast-track R&D, applications and workflow development. From a strategy standpoint, the decision centered on three things: the caliber of the FemtoInnovations team, the maturity of its ultrafast-laser platform for real-world workflows, and a clear cultural fit with customer-driven problem solving. To learn more about Tescan, feel free to visit their website or subscribe their offcial LinkedIn account.Credit : Tescan