We are now living in a world where increasingly anyone can create a deepfake and use it to cause significant financial and emotional harm, or even for political manipulation. It’s only now that legislation is proposed to counter it.

Wargaming is a tool to exercise or simulate a threatening situation. New applications are being developed to counter modern threats such as AI-driven cybercrime, biodiversity loss and demographic shifts. Developments in AI are transforming gaming techniques.

AI is increasing used for everyday information and advice. Professionals caution its use for financial advice as AI doesn’t consider your circumstances. It is also not uncommon for AI models to hallucinate, or invent, information.

With humanoid robots, an era is developing whereby labour is now owned, not employed. Robots offer maximum output at minimum cost, with maximum control and minimum friction. Broader ethical and social impacts need to be considered.

Japan’s new leader wants people to balance work, leisure, and rest. Ironically, engaging in overtime is generally considered an important source of income and career enhancing. Overwork and karoshi (death from overwork) are sensitive issues across cultures.

Over the past decade, online fraud operations across Southeast Asia, characterised by complex political, business and social networks, have generated vast profits from victims around the world. A coordinated international approach is needed to disrupt operations.

The Territories are shifting into vital digital hubs as new data cables and infrastructure take shape—offering major connectivity benefits yet raising hard questions about access, logistics, and the impact on small communities.

Micronesia’s growing strategic importance reflects shifting regional priorities—its dispersed sites offer flexibility for major powers, yet local communities bear rising risks without meaningful safeguards or long-term protection. Could pressure allies to align with US.

Taiwan has announced a $40 billion defence budget for 2026–2033 to boost military capabilities, including missiles, drones, and air defence, aiming to strengthen deterrence against China and raise spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.

Trusted AI will only emerge if security keeps pace with rapid threats — weak safeguards erode confidence, slow adoption, and expose systems to faster attacks; strong controls build resilience and enable safe, long-term use.