Several major developments are shaping the AI landscape. In Asia, Haoyang and Kakao are investing over $2.6 billion in AI data centers, with Haoyang building a $2.16 billion facility in Thailand and Kakao planning a $442 million center in South Korea. SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are also investing $5.11 billion to create a large AI data center in South Korea, aiming to transform Ulsan into a global AI hub by 2029. Amazon is contributing $4 billion to this project. These investments are boosting tech stocks like SK Hynix and Kakao. Meanwhile, iFLYTEK showcased its AI-powered products at MWC Shanghai 2025, including the Dual-Screen Translator 2.0 and iFLYREC Multilingual Simultaneous Interpreting System. In the US, AI is being used to highlight development projects in Grand Rapids, while a Singapore-based AI app, Fin Finder, which combats illegal wildlife trade, has been acquired by Conservation X Labs. Mercedes-Benz is integrating AI into its vehicles for personalized experiences, earning Newsweek's AI Impact Award. Yep AI has launched a 24/7 AI sales agent for Shopify stores, and a skeptical teacher created an AI Class Design Assistant to aid educators. Google is training its AI models using YouTube videos, Meta is hiring AI talent, and Nvidia and Foxconn are in talks to deploy humanoid robots at Foxconn's Houston factory. Dutch leaders suggest Europe should focus on AI applications, leveraging infrastructure from companies like Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft.
Key Takeaways
- Haoyang and Kakao are investing over $2.6 billion in AI data centers in Thailand and South Korea.
- SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are investing $5.11 billion to build an AI hub in Ulsan, South Korea, operational by 2029.
- Amazon is investing $5 billion in South Korea, with $4 billion allocated to the SK Group AI data center project.
- iFLYTEK showcased its AI products at MWC Shanghai 2025, including the Dual-Screen Translator 2.0 supporting 42 languages.
- A Singapore-based AI app, Fin Finder, which identifies shark fins to combat illegal wildlife trade, has been acquired by Conservation X Labs.
- Mercedes-Benz is integrating AI into its vehicles, earning Newsweek's AI Impact Award for its MB.OS infotainment system.
- Yep AI launched a 24/7 AI sales agent plugin for Shopify stores, providing personalized recommendations.
- A teacher created the AI Class Design Assistant to help educators with lesson planning.
- Google is training its AI models using YouTube videos, and Meta is actively hiring AI talent.
- Nvidia and Foxconn are discussing deploying humanoid robots at Foxconn's factory in Houston.
Haoyang and Kakao invest billions in Asian AI data centers
Haoyang and Kakao are investing over $2.6 billion in AI data centers in Asia. Haoyang will build a 300MW AI data center campus in Thailand for $2.16 billion. Kakao plans a second AI data center in South Korea costing $442 million. These projects show growing demand for AI infrastructure in the region, driven by AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. Haoyang's Thailand facility marks its first international project, while Kakao expands its domestic AI capacity.
SK Group and AWS to build huge AI hub in Korea
SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are investing $5.11 billion to create a large AI data center in South Korea. They plan to transform Ulsan into a global AI hub, starting construction in September 2025 and beginning operations by 2029. The facility will initially have a 100-megawatt power capacity, expanding to one gigawatt. This investment has boosted tech stocks like SK Hynix and Kakao, helping the KOSPI index rise. The project aims to diversify South Korea's tech capabilities and promote regional growth.
Amazon invests $5B to boost AI in South Korea
Amazon is investing $5 billion with South Korea’s SK Group to build a large AI data center in Ulsan. Amazon Web Services will contribute $4 billion to the project. The data center is expected to be operational by 2029 with a 100-megawatt capacity. SK Group plans to expand the center to one gigawatt, making it a global AI hub. This investment aims to support the growing Korean AI market, which is projected to reach $2.25 billion this year.
iFLYTEK shows off AI products at Shanghai tech show
iFLYTEK showcased its AI-powered products at MWC Shanghai 2025, including the new Dual-Screen Translator 2.0, set for release in August. This translator supports 42 languages and image translation in 34, using noise-cancellation tech. The iFLYREC Multilingual Simultaneous Interpreting System offers real-time translation in 13 languages. Other products include the iFLYTEK Offline Voice Recorder S8 and the AINOTE Air 2, an AI notepad. iFLYTEK aims to expand its global presence with these AI solutions.
iFLYTEK displays AI products at MWC Shanghai 2025
iFLYTEK presented its AI products at MWC Shanghai 2025, featuring multilingual communication solutions. The new iFLYTEK Dual-Screen Translator 2.0, launching in August, supports 42 languages and image translation in 34. The iFLYREC Multilingual Simultaneous Interpreting System offers real-time translation in 13 languages. Other innovations include the iFLYTEK Offline Voice Recorder S8 and the iFLYTEK AINOTE Air 2, an AI notepad. iFLYTEK is committed to AI innovation and global expansion.
AI highlights Grand Rapids development projects
Local advocates are using artificial intelligence to showcase development projects in Grand Rapids. The goal is to bring attention to the city's ongoing development.
AI race and dealmaking top stock market watch list
Investors are watching the AI race and potential deals in the stock market. Google is training its AI models using YouTube videos, while Meta is hiring AI talent. SoftBank is considering partnering with TSMC to build a $1 trillion AI and robotics factory in Arizona. Nvidia and Foxconn are discussing deploying humanoid robots at Foxconn's factory in Houston. Other factors include oil prices, natural gas, and potential interest rate cuts.
Singapore AI app fights illegal wildlife trade, acquired by US firm
A Singapore-based app called Fin Finder, which uses AI to identify shark fins and combat illegal wildlife trade, has been acquired by Conservation X Labs, a US company. The app, developed by NParks, Microsoft Singapore, and Conservation International, helps users identify shark species by uploading a photo of a fin. It is used by law enforcement in 32 countries and has an accuracy of 89.4 percent. The app helps customs agents identify illegally traded species.
Mercedes-Benz uses AI to redefine luxury cars
Mercedes-Benz is using AI to improve the driving experience in its new vehicles, starting with the CLA-Class model. The next-generation MB.OS infotainment system will use AI for search results, customizations, and recommendations. Mercedes-Benz has been working on AI in vehicles since 1996. The company's AI efforts have earned Newsweek's AI Impact Award for Best Outcomes in Automotive/Transportation UX Systems. The AI system uses conversational, behavioral, and agentic AI to personalize the driving experience.
Dutch leaders say Europe can win in AI apps, not hardware
Dutch tech leaders believe Europe can lead in AI applications, even if it lags in AI hardware. They suggest focusing on building apps on top of the AI infrastructure developed in the US. Companies like Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft are investing heavily in AI infrastructure. Europe has a history of creating successful apps like Spotify and Grammarly. Experts call for more investment, less regulation, and local procurement to boost Europe's AI potential.
Yep AI launches 24/7 AI sales agent for Shopify stores
Yep AI has launched a 24/7 AI sales agent plugin for Shopify stores. This AI agent helps businesses by answering customer questions and providing support. Unlike regular chatbots, Yep AI analyzes browsing behavior and gives personalized recommendations. It acts like a trained store associate, guiding customers toward making purchases.
AI skeptic creates chatbot to help teachers
A teacher who is skeptical of AI created a chatbot to help teachers design classes. Todd Beard, a digital media instructor, developed the AI Class Design Assistant to help teachers with lesson planning. The chatbot uses AI to suggest activities, offer tips, and help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons. Beard hopes the chatbot will help teachers who are new to technology or struggling with lesson design. He also wants to show that AI can be a useful tool for educators.
Sources
- Haoyang and Kakao invest $2.6B in AI data centers in Asia
- SK Group And AWS Plan Massive AI Data Center In Korea
- Amazon (AMZN) in $5B Investment to Boost AI in South Korea
- iFLYTEK Showcases AI-Powered Product Ecosystem at MWC Shanghai 2025, Marking Continued Global Expansion
- iFLYTEK Showcases AI-Powered Product Ecosystem at MWC Shanghai 2025, Marking Continued Global Expansion
- Group uses artificial intelligence to highlight Grand Rapids projects
- 10 things to watch in the stock market Friday including the AI race and dealmaking
- S’pore app using AI to combat illegal wildlife trade acquired by US start-up
- AI Impact Awards 2025: Mercedes-Benz redefines luxury in its new vehicles
- Dutch tech leaders: Europe won’t lead in AI hardware, but can in AI apps
- AI Sales Agents
- AI skeptic creates chatbot to help teachers design classes