Photo: CSIS
China issues implementation guidelines to promote the standardized application and innovative development of artificial intelligence (AI) agents. The guidelines, jointly issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), aim to incorporate the State Council's guidelines and foster the orderly growth of intelligent agents as key forms of AI products and services.
Source: China.org
In detail: Press Release
Date: May 08, 2026
China releases a Grading of Intelligence Levels for Artificial Intelligence Terminals. The policy establishes a unified benchmarking system for products ranging from smart glasses and televisions to wireless earbuds and automotive cockpits. It aims to standardize the evaluation of terminal intelligence, drive product iteration and upgrades, and safeguard users' rights.
Source: Bastille Post
Date: May 09, 2026
China issues their Action Plan on Promoting the Two-Way Empowerment of Artificial Intelligence and Energy. The plan envisions that by 2030, the clean energy supply capacity for AI computing power infrastructure will significantly increase, while the application of AI in the energy sector will also improve. The country aims to establish a new development paradigm characterized by mutual empowerment and deep integration of AI and energy.
Source: China Daily
In detail: Action Plan on Promoting the Two-Way Empowerment of Artificial Intelligence and Energy
Date: May 09, 2026
China publishes guideline for the development of an AI metrology system and related capacity building to map out the country's development of AI metrology capabilities in a systematic manner. The guideline was released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Development and Reform Commission.
Source: Xinhua
Date: May 28, 2026
India launches a National AI Doctors Mission (NAIDM). The initiative aims to train medical professionals across the country in AI applications, clinical practice, and the ethical use of digital healthcare tools.
Source: APAC News Network
Date: May 19, 2026
The Philippines adopts updated standards for certification bodies using artificial intelligence (AI). Through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), the agency introduced a revised framework requiring certification bodies to maintain strong human oversight of AI-assisted systems to ensure fairness, transparency, and reliability in assessments.
Source: Business Mirror
In detail: DTI Press Release
Date: May 14, 2026
South Korea launches an industrial growth fund to support the artificial intelligence (AI) transition of the manufacturing sector in South Korea. The fund's first sub-fund will be the "Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX)" innovation fund. It will invest in companies pursuing the convergence of manufacturing and AI in areas such as humanoids, AI factories, future mobility, and autonomous ships.
Source: Seoul Economic Daily
Date: May 18, 2026
Singapore announces that it will train 40,000 technology professionals over the next three years under a major national effort to build an artificial intelligence-ready workforce. The initiative, part of the National AI Impact Program, expands the existing Tech Skills Accelerator to include final-year Information and Digital Technologies students alongside working professionals.
Source: HRD
Date: May 12, 2026
Singapore mandates all higher education students to receive baseline artificial intelligence training from 2027. The decision will see autonomous universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) introduce baseline AI competencies through compulsory modules for all incoming students.
Source: The Online Citizen
Date: May 21, 2026
Singapore updates its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS). The update sets out 10 NAIS focus areas: capabilities, compute, data, ecosystem integration, government, industry, leader in thought and action, research, talent and trusted environment.
Source: Asia One
In detail: Update to Singapore's National AI Strategy
Date: May 20, 2026
South Korea passes the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Special Act. The Act significantly eases regulations on AI data center construction and includes streamlined permitting, introduction of a timeout system, and exemptions from power grid impact assessments for non-capital region facilities. The law is scheduled to take effect in February 2027.
Source: BigGo Finance
In detail: MSIT Press Release
Date: May 07, 2026
India amends the Legal Metrology (Government Approved Test Center) Rules, 2013, expanding the verified asset list to 23 categories by bringing green fuel dispensers, including CNG, LNG, and Hydrogen, under public-private verification frameworks. The amendment also decentralizes approvals and standardizes verification charges. Joint Secretary-level officers and above are now empowered to approve GATCs, while State Governments may notify additional instrument categories depending on local industrial requirements.
Source: Policy Edge
In detail: Press Release
Date: May 24, 2026
India launches an “Investors Support” portal under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The portal is designed to provide streamlined assistance, policy guidance, and grievance resolution support to domestic and global investors interested in participating in India’s semiconductor sector.
Source: Devdiscourse
In detail: Press Release
Date: May 26, 2025
Pakistan adopts a three-year National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy 2025. The policy aims to revive crop production, promote genetically modified farming technologies and address the country’s deepening agricultural challenges.
Source: ES Mag
Date: May 29, 2026
Thailand classifies advanced stem cell and cell-based therapies as medicines under the country’s Drug Act. The law distinguishes between minimally manipulated cells and more than minimal manipulation therapies (e.g., CAR-T, MSCs), which are now designated as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) requiring full drug registration.
Source: Nation Thailand
Date: May 27, 2026
China formally launches its unified Medical Device Vigilance System. The system places registrant responsibility at its core and establishes mandatory requirements for vigilance organization, data collection, risk control, and standardized reporting for all medical devices sold in China.
Source: CIRS
Date: May 11, 2026
Pakistan launches the Institute of Pakistan Medical Device Industry. The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation, setting quality standards, and reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported medical equipment. The new institute is expected to serve as a center for research, testing, regulatory compliance, and skills development for the medical device sector.
Source: Stay Tuned
Date: May 09, 2026
Nothing critical to report this month.
South Korea approves an amendment to the Quantum Science Technology and Industry Promotion Act legally mandating the transition of national security infrastructure to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Government ministries and public institutions must now establish roadmaps for adopting PQC and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies. The amendment also includes legal grounds for supporting quantum-HPC-AI convergence technologies, expanding regulatory improvement applications to universities and research institutes, and granting immunity protections for civil servants.
Source: BigGo Finance
Date: May 12, 2026
