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Pac Tech Pulse: May 2026
Photo: CSIS
Artificial Intelligence
Australia has launched guidelines on Responsible AI in Sport and Roadmap for AI in Australian Sport. The first on Responsible AI in Sport outlines how to use AI safely and ethically, drawing on international best practices. The second on the Roadmap for AI in Australian Sport sets out a clear national strategy on how the sector can work together to harness AI’s potential.
Source: Sport and Development
In detail: Guide for Responsible AI in Sport, Roadmap for AI in Australian Sport
Date: April 17, 2026
China issues a trial guideline on the ethics review and service of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The guideline, jointly issued by 10 government departments, calls for efforts to support technological innovation in AI ethics review and to strengthen the use of technical measures to prevent AI-related ethical risks. The guideline clarifies that the review should focus on human well-being, fairness and justice, and controllability and trustworthiness.
Source: China Daily
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 03, 2026
China issues the country’s first standards for the use of AI in the fund management sector. The standards outline a structured framework for AI deployment across multiple layers, including infrastructure, data management, model services, applications, and security. They assign technical and governance requirements to each stage of implementation.
Source: BRICS NeLi
Date: April 09, 2026
China introduces a new regulatory framework on AI-enabled human-like interaction services through the issuance of the “Interim Measures for the Administration of Artificial Intelligence Anthropomorphic Interaction Services”. The new regulation establishes a dedicated compliance regime for providers offering AI-powered anthropomorphic or emotionally interactive digital services, including virtual companions, AI chatbots, emotionally responsive digital assistants, and other human-like AI engagement platforms.
Source: ITTC
Date: April 10, 2026
China unveils action plan to build an AI literacy system. The AI + Education Action Plan, jointly issued by five central government departments led by the Ministry of Education, aims to accelerate the popularization of AI education, reshape teaching and learning models, and build a future-oriented education system.
Source: China Daily
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 15, 2026
Japan approves amendments to the Personal Information Protection (PPC) Act that removes the requirement for opt-in consent before sharing personal data. Japan’s Ministry for Digital Transformation has declared that the nation will become the easiest place in the world to develop AI apps, thanks to legal changes that mean organizations won’t need to secure consent to use some personal information.
Source: The Register
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 08, 2026
Pakistan introduces ACT AI — Awareness, Competency & Tools Training for AI. This initiative is a nationwide movement designed to build AI literacy at scale, empowering thousands of university students across Pakistan with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Source: Gulf Joblo
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 15, 2026
The Philippines launches the National Capability-Building Program on Artificial Intelligence (AI), a landmark of whole-of-government flagship initiative designed to prepare public institutions and civil servants for an increasingly AI-driven future. The program features a structured learning pathway, beginning with foundational knowledge and progressing toward real-world applications. This includes certification tracks, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem-building efforts aligned with the country’s broader national AI agenda and DAP’s ongoing capability-building initiatives.
Source: Development Academy of the Philippines
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 16, 2026
Data Centers
Thailand introduces a new requirement for data center projects applying for investment promotion. Developers of new data center projects must obtain written confirmation from the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) confirming that the electricity supply will be sufficiently available to support the proposed data center project.
Source: Baker McKenzie
Date: April 10, 2026
Energy Technology
Bangladesh introduces a new policy framework to speed up renewable energy development by allowing unused or underutilized state-owned land to be used for clean energy projects under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Source: The Daily Star
Date: April 16, 2026
India releases draft development guidelines for dataloggers, and remote monitoring systems deployed under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the “'Firmware Development Guidelines for Device Local Configuration & Remote Communication APIs”. The ministry said the guidelines are intended to standardize firmware interfaces, device local configuration and to ensure interoperability, cybersecurity, and data integrity.
Source: Energetica
Date: April 02, 2026
India removes the mandatory "prepayment or prepaid mode" requirement for electricity consumers. Through its latest amendment to the Installation and Operation of Meters Regulations, CEA has modified the earlier 2022 rule that required all consumers in areas with communication networks to be supplied electricity through prepaid smart meters.
Source: Economic Times
In detail: CEA notification
Date: April 07, 2026
India amends aviation fuel rules to allow blending of alternative and synthesized components. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a notification dated April 17, 2026, revised the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, to update how ATF is defined and regulated.
Source: Business Standard
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 22, 2026
Malaysia launches the National Carbon Market Policy (NCMP) to introduce a framework for the trading of carbon credits before a carbon tax is introduced in Malaysia. The NCMP, which was approved by the Cabinet on 1 April 2026, will provide the framework for voluntary and compliance carbon markets, and aims to position Malaysia as a credible participant in international carbon trading markets.
Source: The Edge
In detail: National Carbon Market Policy
Date: April 21, 2026
New Zealand introduces new rules to allow more solar and battery systems to export electricity to local distribution networks. The regulator has directed companies to set a default export limit of 10 kW for ‘straightforward, small-scale’ distributed generation systems, including rooftop solar and batteries. The change aims to standardize export settings across the country’s 29 lines companies and allow more small-scale generation and storage systems to supply electricity to local networks.
Source: Taiyang News
In detail: NZ Electricity Authority Press Release
Date: April 09, 2026
South Korea expands its tax support framework for low-carbon solar module manufacturing, clarifying that facilities producing PV modules with carbon emissions at or below 655 kg CO2/kW are eligible for investment tax credits under revised enforcement rules that took effect April 1.
Source: Index box
Date: April 17, 2026
Thailand introduces low-interest loan packages to support households and businesses in adopting clean energy. This initiative encourages households, farmers, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt clean energy and energy-saving technologies.
Source: Pattaya Mail
Date: April 21, 2026
Vietnam signs directive to promote the development of rooftop solar power across Vietnam. The directive sets out key targets for the 2026–2030 period, including achieving at least 10 percent adoption of rooftop solar systems among public offices and households nationwide, alongside the introduction of state budget support policies for this energy source.
Source: Vietnam Energy
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 02, 2026
Semiconductors
Pakistan launches the Upskilling Training Program (USTP), aimed at developing specialized skills in the semiconductor sector. The USTP has been introduced under the National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP), also known as INSPIRE, with a total allocation of PKR 4.844 billion.
Source: The Nation
Date: April 08, 2026
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
South Korea introduces a comprehensive legal framework designed to accelerate synthetic biology — an emerging field that applies engineering principles to living systems. The policy is intended to speed the translation of rapidly advancing research into commercial applications, positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth and technological independence.
Source: Korea Times
Date: April 23, 2026
Vietnam signs directive focused on developing and effectively applying biotechnology as an important economic and technical sector to serve the cause of national construction and defense.
Source: Vietnam.vn
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 21, 2026
Medical Technology
India proposes draft amendment to the Medical Devices Rules (MDR), 2017. The amendment proposes to include "European Union countries" along with the other countries specified in the provisions, to extend the exemption to those importing from these countries.
Source: Pharmabiz
In detail: Notification
Date: April 15, 2026
Aerospace Technology
China releases the first set of standards for the commercial space industry, aiming to leverage standardization's guiding role in the development of the space industry and promote high-quality development of commercial space activities. The system focuses on carrier rockets, satellites, launch sites, application services, and industry governance.
Source: Bastille Post
In detail: Press Release
Date: April 24, 2026
Vietnam issues directive on strengthening energy efficiency and advancing the transition towards sustainable development. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has instructed aviation stakeholders to study alternative fuels and gradually deploy sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the sector’s energy transition.
Source: Vietnam Investment Review
Date: April 21, 2026
