Semiconductor Policy & IP Funding: South Korea launched a Semiconductor Manufacturing Support Task Force, with government support for IP fees to help fabless firms reach mass production and boost demand for chips used by domestic companies. AI & Chips Market Mood: Taiwan’s Taiex hit a new high as investors chased AI optimism, lifting TSMC and advanced chip assembly/testing names. Industrial Digitalization: Myrex rolled out IRIS, a 3D maintenance and training platform that uses high-definition machine models to cut repair times and speed asset onboarding. Smart Manufacturing Connectivity: Scotland’s NMIS completed a private 5G trial in a simulated factory, showing throughput above 97 Mbps and potential to support many concurrent industrial environments. Energy Manufacturing & Renewables: Mercom India’s Renewables Summit will tackle solar cell manufacturing hurdles and hybrid renewables for grid stability, while a case study from Andhra Pradesh highlights rooftop solar PPAs that can sharply cut long-term electricity costs. Corporate Moves in Building Materials: Holcim completed its €1.8bn acquisition of Xella, adding walling and insulation brands plus a digital BIM-linked service for just-in-time delivery. Food & Industrial Supply: Zimbabwe’s maize and soya prices stayed firm as supply tightness persists, keeping pressure on millers and processors. Business Restructuring: Ajinomoto (Malaysia) proposed privatizing the company via a selective capital reduction, moving toward wholly owning the listed unit.