PacTech Pulse: July 2026

Artificial Intelligence

China releases a three-year plan to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the country's information and communications sector. The plan sets targets for more autonomous networks, wider low-latency computing-power coverage, and expanded AI applications by 2028.

Source: China.org

In detail: Press Release

Date: June 10, 2026

China releases an implementation guideline document to accelerate the development of "artificial intelligence (AI) plus consumption." It includes 17 measures in five areas to promote deeper integration of AI with consumer markets by expanding smart product consumption, empowering services consumption, and creating new consumption scenarios.

Source: CGTN

In detail: Press Release

Date: June 19, 2026

India releases draft Guidance on Regulatory Principles for Model Risk Management 2026. The guidance, released by the Reserve Bank of India, implements rules for banks and financial entities using Artificial Intelligence. It mandates “kill switches” for AI models, ensuring immediate shutdown if errors occur. Banks must also ensure human oversight, disclose AI use to customers, and manage risks associated with third-party AI providers.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Guidance on Regulatory Principles for Model Risk Management, 2026

Date: June 25, 2026

Japan approves Guideline for Japanese Government’s Procurements and Utilizations of Generative AI for the sake of Evolution and Innovation of Public Administration. The guidelines concern the procurement and use of generative AI across government information systems and aim to strengthen governance and risk-management requirements for public administration.

Source: Digital Watch

In detail: Guideline for Japanese Government’s Procurements and Utilizations of Generative AI for Evolution and Innovation of Public Administration

Date: June 12, 2026

Singapore issues Proposed Advisory Guidelines on Use of Personal Data in Generative AI. These proposed guidelines clarify how existing obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) apply in the context of GenAI development and deployment. The proposed guidelines address the use of personal data across AI development, testing, deployment, and procurement stages.

Source: Hogan Lovells

In detail: Proposed Advisory Guidelines on Use of Personal Data in Generative AI

Date: June 02, 2026

South Korea proposes amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and Establishment of a Trust-Based Environment (AI Framework Act).The Enforcement Decree expands the definition of the AI-vulnerable population to include not only people with disabilities, those aged 65 or older, basic livelihood security recipients, and lower-income groups, but also women with career interruptions, job seekers, employees of SMEs located outside the Seoul metropolitan area, and those engaged in agriculture and fisheries. The amendment also details matters related to the establishment, operation, and support of AI research institutes, as well as requirements for their establishment.

Source: Asia Business Daily

In detail: Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) Press Release

Date: May 21, 2026

Data Centers

China publishes the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of a New Energy System. China will support green power direct connection projects in emerging industries including data centers, energy-intensive industries subject to green electricity consumption requirements and export-oriented companies that need traceability for ‌green ⁠power use.

Source: Reuters

In detail: 15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of a New Energy System

Date: June 25, 2026

Energy Technology

China introduces a three-year action plan to accelerate energy-saving and carbon-reduction upgrades in key industries. The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and several other government departments and agencies, focuses on nine industries with high energy consumption and carbon emissions, including steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement, flat glass, oil refining, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, methanol and coal-fired power generation.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: June 17, 2026

The Philippines' energy regulator has approved new rules allowing private power firms and state entities to build vital grid infrastructure. Under the fresh guidelines issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), qualified companies and state bodies can now finance and construct key power lines, substations, and switchyards to accommodate additional power generation capacity and strengthen the country's transmission network.

Source: ABS-CBN

In detail: ERC Press Release ERC Resolution No. 18, Series of 2026

Vietnam amends regulations governing self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power, allowing owners to sell up to 50 percent of excess electricity output while expanding the categories of systems eligible to sell excess electricity. 

Source: HaiPhong

In detail: Decree 243/2026/ND-CP

Date: June 28, 2026

Semiconductors

South Korea implements the Semiconductor Special Act. The Act includes provisions for establishing a "Special Committee for Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness" under the President, designating semiconductor clusters and building supporting infrastructure, expanding industrial foundations including electricity, water, and road networks, and establishing procedures for priority selection and exemption from preliminary feasibility studies.

Source: The Asia Business Daily

Date: June 25, 2026

Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals

China officially launches its Drug Regulatory Data Protection (RDP) regime. Introduced by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) under the Measures for the Implementation of Drug Regulatory Data Protection, this new framework aims at fostering innovation, addressing public medication needs, and aligning with international standards.

Source: Marks & Clerk

In detail:  Measures for Implementation of Drug Regulatory Data Protection

Date: June 02, 2026

China releases a new edition of the Good Clinical Practice for Drugs. The guidelines are designed to ensure the ethical and scientific conduct of clinical studies. Key highlights of the guideline include the addition of provisions on data governance, as well as an emphasis on compliance with ethical principles, scientific rules, and relevant laws and regulations when applying new technologies and new methods. The guideline is set to take effect on Sept 1 of this year.

Source: China Daily

In detail: NMPA Press Release, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines

Date: June 10, 2026

Medical Technology

China publishes guidance to address a long-standing gap in China’s medical device regulatory framework. Published by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the guidance addresses what must manufacturers, registrants, and filers do when the NMPA adjusts the classification of a product already on the market or still in the registration pipeline. The rules apply equally to medical devices and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents.

Source: Asia Actual

In detail: NMPA Announcement

Date: June 03, 2026

South Korea approves Medical Product Approval and Review Innovation Measures. The methods focus on the expedited approval of new drugs, biosimilars, and innovative medical devices.

Source: Asia Business Daily

In detail: MFDS Press Release

Date: May 26, 2026

Aerospace Technology

Nothing critical to report this month.

Quantum Technology

Thailand publishes a Quantum-Ready 2030 roadmap and a national artificial intelligence (AI) security strategy to address cyber threats driven by AI, quantum computing and cloud technologies. The roadmap focuses on planning migration to PQC, preparing national digital infrastructure for post-quantum security, developing skilled personnel and strengthening the cyber security system, and establishing governance frameworks, regulations and technical standards.

Source: Bangkok Post

Date: June 25, 2026