Technology

Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has chosen Ericsson to deploy Malaysia's nationwide 5G network, investing RM11 billion in critical infrastructure. The project aims to accelerate the country's digital economy transition, with Ericsson's technology expected to provide comprehensive network coverage across the nation.

Japan has approved a $338 million semiconductor research project with Taiwan's TSMC to develop advanced chip technology. The collaboration aims to enhance Japan's competitiveness in the semiconductor sector, particularly crucial for industries like automotive manufacturing facing global chip shortages.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal safety probe into Tesla's Autopilot system after identifying 11 crashes involving Tesla vehicles at first responder scenes since 2018. The investigation covers approximately 765,000 U.S. vehicles equipped with Autopilot since 2014.

Telecommunications giants Axiata Group and Telenor Asia have finalized a strategic merger of their Malaysian wireless operations, creating a robust digital convergence service provider. The combined entity promises significant synergies, with projected pre-tax profits of 5.7 billion ringgit and potential for enhanced market competitiveness in the regional tech landscape.

IBM collaborates with Rapidus, a new Japanese government-backed chipmaker, to develop cutting-edge semiconductor technology. This partnership aims to help Japan regain its competitive edge in chip production amid global technological tensions and supply chain challenges.

Tesla Inc. has secured a 9 billion yuan ($1.29 billion) term loan facility from Chinese lenders to finance its Shanghai Gigafactory. The electric car manufacturer also obtained an additional 2.25 billion yuan unsecured revolving loan facility for its first international manufacturing site outside the United States.

SoftBank Corp. has entered the 5G market in Japan, joining rivals NTT Docomo and KDDI. The new service promises lightning-fast data speeds, enabling users to download a two-hour movie in seconds. Rakuten Inc. is also set to enter the 5G market in June, expanding the competitive landscape of mobile networks in Japan.

Germany's government unveiled a comprehensive 600-page "Easter package" to dramatically increase renewable energy production, targeting almost 100% renewable electricity by 2035. The reforms simplify bureaucratic processes and declare renewable energy installations as a matter of "overriding public interest," addressing previous barriers to wind and solar expansion.

Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has revoked RT's broadcasting license following 29 investigations into the channel's impartiality. The decision stems from concerns about RT's coverage of the Ukraine invasion, its Russian state funding, and previous violations of broadcasting standards.

As employees worldwide transition to working from home due to COVID-19, South Korean exports of teleconferencing equipment and semiconductors have surged. Cloud computing demands and increased remote work in the US and China have driven significant growth in server chip sales, demonstrating technological resilience during economic challenges.