Microsoft is on a mission to power its Asian data centers, and it's starting with a bold move: hiring energy strategists! The tech giant is seeking three senior energy program managers in Australia and Singapore, tasked with a critical role: ensuring Microsoft's data centers in Asia have access to the energy they need to thrive.
But here's where it gets interesting: Microsoft isn't just looking for any energy experts. They want leaders who can strategize and execute end-to-end plans for the company's energy requirements in the APAC region. This includes leading datacenter power interconnection projects and negotiating power purchase agreements with utilities and energy suppliers. It's a complex role, but one that's essential for Microsoft's ambitious expansion plans.
And Microsoft isn't stopping there. They're also hiring a Principal Civil/Geotech Engineer to oversee datacenter builds and a regional lead to manage new datacenter leases across Southeast Asia. These hires indicate Microsoft's commitment to expanding its presence in Asia, especially as AI applications demand more power.
In other news, Vietnam is making its mark in the semiconductor industry. Viettel, a Vietnamese telco, has started construction on the country's first chipmaking plant, offering foundry services on a 32-nanometer process. This is a significant step for Vietnam, as it aims to become a player in the global semiconductor market, despite currently lacking chip-building capabilities.
Meanwhile, Australia's eSafety Commissioner has announced a major milestone: the removal of access to 4.7 million accounts on social media platforms for users under 16. While it's too early to measure the full impact, the commissioner emphasized that success should be gauged by reduced harm and changing cultural norms, much like other safety laws in society.
In the world of cybersecurity, Bangladesh's University of Dhaka has revealed an eye-opening experiment. They deployed a Honeynet sensor, a trap designed to attract cyberattacks, and within an hour of going online, it was under siege. In just 12 days, the sensor recorded over 63,000 attacks from thousands of unique IP addresses, highlighting the relentless nature of online threats.
Controversy Alert: Malaysia and Indonesia have taken a stand against a platform, X, for failing to curb deepfake smut. This move raises questions about the responsibility of tech platforms in policing content. Should platforms be held accountable for user-generated content, or is it an impossible task? Your thoughts?
In other tech news, China is considering a ban on AI-generated avatars of oneself to keep elderly relatives company, while Starlink claims a Chinese launch came dangerously close to one of its broadband satellites. Additionally, China's first reusable rocket exploded, but its onboard Ethernet network survived the blast.
Lastly, Indian cybersecurity company CloudSEK has secured funding from a US state investment arm, a first for an Indian infosec firm. CloudSEK has gained recognition for its analysis of Oracle's cloud security incident and the discovery of a major data leak in India. And in the healthcare space, ASUS has received FDA approval for its handheld ultrasound devices, set to expand access to advanced medical technology in Southeast Asia and South America.
