Pac Tech Pulse: October 2025

Newsletter by Erin L. Murphy and Aryan D'Rozario

Published November 6, 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Australia releases Guidance for AI Adoption. The guidance, released by the National AI Centre (NAIC) is framed as a practical resource to help Australian businesses adopt artificial intelligence safely and responsibly. The guidance outlines six practices to help organizations plan, manage, and use AI in ways that build trust and deliver value.

Source: Department of Industry Science and Resources

In detail: Guidance for AI Adoption

Date: October 21, 2025

China releases AI Guidelines for Government Affairs. The Cyberspace Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission issues the guidelines to improve efficiency and decision-making. They provide direction for the deployment, application and continuous optimization of AI large model technologies, products and services across agencies.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: October 10, 2025

India launches IndiaAI Face Authentication Challenge. IndiaAI is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) inviting startups and companies to develop a highly secure and scalable AI-enabled solution for image verification and application de-duplication.

Source: Investment Guru

In detail: India AI Gov Press Release

Date: October 15, 2025

India announces AI Rules for Social Media. The rules proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) require social media platforms to mandate that their users declare any AI-generated or AI-altered content. To clearly label AI content, companies will need to visibly post AI watermarks and labels across more than 10 percent of the duration or size of the content.

Source: Livemint

In detail: Proposed Amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

Date: October 22, 2025

Indonesia adopts AgenticAI for Policy Analysis. Unlike generative AI (GenAI), which only responds to user prompts, agentic AI can act autonomously, from scanning data sources, verifying information, and generating contextual analysis without direct human instruction.

Source: GovInsider

Date: October 15, 2025

Singapore releases Securing Agentic AI. The policy is an addendum to the Guidelines and Companion Guide on Securing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems for public consultation. The Addendum provides practical guidance for system owners to secure Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems.

Source: Technode

In detail: CSA Publication Draft Addendum on Securing Agentic AI

Date: October 22, 2025

Thailand publishes AI Securities Guideline. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's National Cyber Security Agency's guidelines include key information, recommendations and best practices from international standards and frameworks, as well as relevant laws, practices, and technical reports of Thailand.

Source: Norton Rose Fulbright

In detail: AI Security Guidelines (Thai)

AI Security Guidelines: Towards a New Standard Framework for Artificial Intelligence Security

Date: October 9, 2025

Thailand integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its Education System. The Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards (BAAES), under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), is leading the effort to bring AI into classrooms nationwide. More than 2 million educators have already participated in AI-related training

Source: Vietnam Plus

Date: October 21, 2025

Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology introduces a Draft law on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The law aims to protect the rights of organizations and businesses, push economic growth, ensure national defense and security, and boost competition. The proposed legislation follows through on the ministry's ambitions for the country to become "a center for innovation and development of AI solutions in the ASEAN region and the world" by 2030.

Source: Global Legal Insight

In detail: Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence (in Vietnamese)

Date: October 06, 2025

Vietnam issues the National Digital Architecture Framework. The framework serves as a foundation for developing and operating Vietnam's national digital system that enables all sectors of the political system to connect, share data, and jointly utilize digital infrastructure - promoting the building of a comprehensive and sustainable Digital Government, Digital Economy, and Digital Society.

Source: NhanDan

In detail: Resolution of the political bureau on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation

Date: October 10, 2025

Vietnam announces plans to rapidly establish a National AI Supercomputing Center and a shared open AI Data System. This announcement was made at the Vietnam-Korea Digital Forum held on October 29, with the theme: "From Sector-Specific AI to Inclusive AI: Korea-Vietnam Co-creating the Future."

Source: Foreign Vietnam

In detail: Ministry of Science and Technology Press Release

Date: October 29, 2025

Data Centers

Australia's New South Wales establishes the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA). The IDA aims to streamline data center investments in New South Wales. The IDA, which began accepting Expressions of Interest (EoI) on September 30, 2025, promises to support major investment projects in the southeastern Australian state by "cutting red tape and coordinating actions across government." Projects must have an estimated development cost of USD $660 million (AUS $1 billion).

Source:Data Center Dynamics

In detail: New South Wales (NSW) Ministerial Release

Date: October 01, 2025

Maharashtra allows Captive Power Generation and Distribution by Data Centers. The state allows data centers in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding areas to generate and distribute their own green energy. The new policy is limited to renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, or wind to ensure that data centers operate without power interruptions.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Government Notification

Date: October 11, 2025

Thailand's Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) unveils Draft Regulations on the Direct PPAs. The regulations govern data center procurement of renewable energy directly from power producers channeled through the national grid system. According to the draft law, power producers and data centers must comply with certain conditions.

Source: Data Center Dynamics

In detail: Draft Direct Power Purchase Agreement (in Thai)

Third Part Access Code (in Thai)

Thailand's Draft Regulation on Direct Power Purchase Agreements via Third Party Access for Data Centers

Date: October 15, 2025

Vietnam's allows Private Investment in Digital Infrastructure. The government released Decision No. 2161/QD-TTg, issued on 29 September 2025, marking a fundamental shift from a state-led to a private-sector-driven model for developing the nation's digital infrastructure. The current regulations impose no cap on foreign ownership in companies providing data center services, allowing a foreign investor to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Vietnam to offer these services.

Source: Hogen Lovells

In detail: Decision No. 2161/QD-TTg

Date: October 21, 2025

Energy Technology

Australia releases National Energy Retail Rules. The rules, released by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) require energy retailers to help consumers access concessions and rebates on their energy bills.

Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy and Environment

In detail: Australian Energy Market Commission Press release

Date: September 29, 2025

Australia's publishes its Draft Decision to make a Greenfields Incentive Determination for the proposed Bulloo Interlink Pipeline (Bulloo Interlink) for 10 years. This draft decision aims to encourage efficient investment in gas pipeline infrastructure while balancing the potential risk of dominant market players from exerting influence on the market through the Bulloo Interlink if it is exempt from scheme regulation.

Source: Australian Energy Regulator Press Release

In detail: Bulloo Interlink Pipeline Draft Decision

Date: October 28, 2025

Bangladesh announces price decrease for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). The retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplied by private companies is reduced and according to the new price announced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), a 12kg LPG cylinder will now cost USD 10.14 (TK 1,241), down from last month's USD 10.38 (TK 1,270).

Source: Daily Sun

In detail: Notice

Date: October 07, 2025

China unveils Electric Vehicle (EV) Action Plan. The three-year action plan aims to improve its EV charging infrastructure, as part of a broader effort to boost consumer confidence and accelerate EV adoption nationwide.

Source: China Daily

In detail: Press Release

Date: October 16, 2025

India updates 2022 General Network Access (GNA) Regulations. The amendments, released by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), aim to facilitate renewable energy integration and create a robust market for electricity storage and managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power while maintaining grid stability.

Source: Energetica

In detail: CERC (Connectivity and General Network Access to the Inter-State Transmission System) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Date: October 07, 2025

India reduces Requirements for its Waste to Energy Program. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has eased documentation and procedural requirements to accelerate project development and simplify the approval process for developers.

Source: Energetica

In detail: Easing of applications / clarification under Waste to Energy Programme

Date: October 07, 2025

India issues draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (2nd Amendment) Regulations, 2025. The draft, released by the Central Electricity Authority updates and refines technical standards governing the design, construction, and operation of electrical plants and transmission lines across India.

Source: Electrical Mirror

In detail: Draft Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) ( 2nd Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Date: October 08, 2025

India notifies the Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025. The rules establish India's first-ever legally binding emission reduction targets for carbon-intensive industries.

Source: Angel One

In detail: Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025

Date: October 10, 2025

India proposes draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The draft bill seeks to empower state regulators to revise tariffs suo motu, sharing the distribution network with multiple distribution companies. The amendments make it mandatory for Electricity Regulatory Commissions to determine cost-reflective tariffs.

Source: Deccan Herald

In detail: Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025

Date: October 10, 2025

India mandates certain Registration of Solar Energy Products. The government made it mandatory for importers of certain products which are exclusively used for solar energy projects to register on the renewable energy equipment import monitoring system. These products include toughened (tempered) safety glass and photosensitive semiconductor devices, including photovoltaic cells.

Source: Business Standard

Date: October 10 2025

India to monitor Solar and Wind Power Equipment. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification mandating prior registration for import of specified solar and wind power equipment under the Renewable Energy Equipment Import Monitoring System (REEIMS) from November 1. The notification amends the import policy conditions for items falling under Chapters 70, 73, 84, and 85 of the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule-I, covering components such as solar glass, photovoltaic (PV) cells, wind turbine parts, and electric motors. The move aims to monitor and streamline imports of renewable energy components critical to India's clean-energy supply chain.

Source: Energy Watch

In detail: Notification

Date: October 14, 2025

Indonesia issues Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 110 of 2025 on the Implementation of Carbon Economic Value (NEK) and National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Control. The new regulation sets Indonesia's carbon pricing and emission reduction mechanisms. The regulation also establishes a Carbon Unit Registry System (SRUK), a new database separate from the National Registry System for Climate Change Control (SRN-PPI).

Source: Ecobiz Asia

In detail: Implementation of Carbon Economic Value (NEK) instruments and National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Control

Date: October 14, 2025

Pakistan approves Energy-Efficient Building Codes and Insulation Models. The new code aims at cutting power demand during peak summer months and improving industrial competitiveness.

Source: Arab News

Date: October 22, 2025

Pakistan announces a three-year Electricity Subsidy for its Industrial and Agricultural Sectors. Under the package, industries and farmers will receive additional electricity at reduced rates from November 2025 to October 2028. Existing tariffs for agriculture will be lowered to make Pakistani products more competitive in regional markets.

Source: Arab News

Date: October 23, 2025

New Zealand has announced a series of actions to secure New Zealand's Energy Supply. The Government is taking forward a package of actions focused on investing in energy security and strengthening the electricity market, so it delivers better outcomes for consumers, including issuing formal notices of the Crown's support for capital funding requests for energy security investments, a formal procurement processes for Liquified Natural Gas import facility, strengthening the electricity authority, and improving gas market transparency.

Source: Minister for Energy's announcement

In detail: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

Date: October 01, 2025

New Zealand's Electricity Authority 'Te Mana Hiko' seeks Public Feedback. New Zealand expects to launch an Emergency Reserve Scheme (ERS) to provide an extra layer of protection against unplanned power outages for New Zealand households and businesses.

Source: Scoop

In Detail: NZ Electricity Authority Press Release

Date: October 17, 2025

New Zealand releases first Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan and a Government Statement on Biogas. Together, they signal a renewed focus on the nation's bioenergy sector as a cornerstone of long-term energy security and climate resilience and aim to accelerate renewable alternatives like wood energy and biogas to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Source: Devdiscourse

In detail: Press ReleaseMinistry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)

Wood Energy Strategy Wood Energy Action Plan Government Statement on Biogas

Date: October 22, 2025

The Philippines passes the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act or the PhilATOM bill. The bill establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) as the country's independent nuclear regulator. PhilATOM will oversee all sources of ionizing radiation in the Philippines - ranging from power generation to medical, agricultural, and industrial applications - ensuring safety, security, and compliance with international safeguards.

Source: Newsbytes

In detail: Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act

Date: September 28, 2025

The Philippines releases a comprehensive Framework for the Integration of Nuclear Energy into the Country's Power Generation Mix. The Department of Energy formally established the policy foundations for the Philippines first commercially developed and operated nuclear power plant (NPP). This paves the way for further nuclear developments that will reinforce the country's long-term energy security.

Source: Philippine Information Agency

In detail: Department of Energy Philippines Press Release

Date: October 02, 2025

The Philippines announces Financial Benefits for Communities with Power Generating Facilities. The fivefold increase in financial benefits for communities that host power-generating facilities and energy resources effective January 2026 comes under a new policy aimed at local empowerment and sustainable development.

Source: Manila Standard

In detail: Department of Energy Philippines Press Release

Date: October 15, 2025

The Philippines introduces Regulations for Carbon Credits in the Energy Sector. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, draw investments in clean energy, and prepare the country to engage in international carbon trading markets. The policy is a guide for energy stakeholders in tapping into carbon finance. It prepares them for upcoming carbon market mechanisms and aligns sector actions via a specialized DoE Task Force on Energy Carbon Credits.

Source: Power-Technology

In detail: Guidelines for the Generation, Management, and Monitoring of Carbon Credits in the Energy Sector

Date: October 17, 2025

Singapore develops Draft Framework for Cross-Border Trading of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) within Southeast Asia. Corporates in Singapore will be able to buy RECs originating from renewable energy sources in neighboring countries and make exclusive claims on their emissions arising from their purchase of electricity.

Source: The Business Times

In detail: Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) Media Release

Date: October 28, 2025

Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) launches Roadmap for Futureproofing of the Power Grid. The roadmap includes the use of "demand-side resources" to contribute to the country's energy needs. As part of this roadmap, EMA will also enhance its interruptible load program, which is targeted at business consumers.

Source: Channel News Asia

In detail: Singapore's Demand-Side Flexibility Roadmap

Date: October 29, 2025

South Korea establishes the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment from October 2025. The new ministry expands the scope of its predecessor, the Ministry of Environment and will integrate the government's overarching climate policy framework with core energy functions to ensure that policies on environmental protection and energy transition are more closely aligned with each other.

Source: Korea Herald

Date: September 30, 2025

Thailand announces the establishment of a New Committee to oversee the 2025 Power Development Plan with a focus on Net Zero by 2050. Key initiatives include community solar projects and energy price controls. The new 2025 PDP will build on the existing 2018 plan by integrating Net Zero strategies, helping the country meet its environmental targets.

Source: Nation Thailand

Date: October 03, 2025

Thailand announces that the Oil Fuel Fund Executive Board has approved a reduction in Diesel Contributions. Additionally, fuel retailers are encouraged to reduce gasoline prices effective October 4, 2025.

Source: Nation Thailand

Date: October 03, 2025

Thailand announces Energy Initiatives under the "Quick Big Win" Policy. The policy aims to lower household energy costs, strengthen energy security, and accelerate Thailand's transition toward a low-carbon economy. The government will provide tax incentives for households installing solar panels, targeting 90,000 participants and driving 20.25 billion baht in investment, while saving 585 million electricity units and cutting 280,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

Source: Nbt World

Date: October 08, 2025

Thailand establishes Framework for U.S. Trade Deal. Thailand will purchase US agricultural and energy products, and aircraft, valued at more than USD 20 billion. According to a document published by the White House, the US and Thailand agree to develop a framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to reinforce bilateral economic relations, which will enable exporters from both countries to access each other's markets as never before.

Source: Nation Thailand

In detail: Whitehouse Briefings & Statements

Date: October 26, 2025

Vietnam initiates Action Plan for National Energy Security. The resolution details an assurance of national energy security through 2030 through the development of energy supply and infrastructure. The action program also outlines the necessity to build national energy industry centers for gas, liquefied natural gas, electricity, refined oil and renewable energy in localities with competitive advantages in sync with policies on resource extraction, offtake agreements and domestic natural gas pricing mechanisms.

Source: Vietnam Law

In detail: Vietnam Govt. Press Release

Date: October 16, 2025

Semiconductors

China tightens Export Controls of Rare Earth Technologies and Products. The announcements, released by China's Ministry of Commerce also apply to advanced computing semiconductors and AI technologies.

Source: Lexology

In detail: Notice

Date: October 09 2025

Pakistan launches INSPIRE, itsNational Semiconductor Training Program. The program aims to develop chip-design expertise and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The five-year INSPIRE Initiative, valued at Rs 4.8 billion ($17.2 million), aims to train around 3,200 young professionals and establish nine university clusters and six state-of-the-art integrated-circuit laboratories.

Source: Arab News

Date: October 21, 2025

Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals

India launches Monitoring System for High-Risk Pharmaceutical Solvents. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched a Digital Monitoring System on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) portal to closely track the supply chain and quality of these solvents. State drug controllers have been directed to ensure that all manufacturers of pharma-grade solvents obtain manufacturing licenses through the upgraded digital platform. The newly established monitoring system on the ONDLS portal will help track approximately 10 high-risk solvents, including propylene glycol

Source: Voice of Healthcare

In detail: Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) Portal

Date: October 25, 2025

Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) releases AI Action Plan. The plan outlines steps toward developing a proprietary AI system designed for its specialized regulatory work. Under the plan, the agency will begin deploying existing AI tools between FY2025 and FY2026 to improve efficiency in administrative tasks.

Source: Pharma Japan

In detail: Action Plan for the Use of AI in Operations at the PMDA

Date: October 10, 2025

Japan approves Medical Stockpiling Policy. A health ministry panel has approved a basic policy for stockpiling medical countermeasures (MCMs), setting out the objectives, selection criteria, and prioritization framework for medicines to be purchased and stored for use in public health emergencies. Stockpiling will focus on public health and national security, the speed of transmission, fatality rates, potential social impact of outbreaks, and the possibility of deliberate biological incidents.

Source: Pharma Japan

In detail: Japan's Medical Stockpiling Policy

Date: October 8, 2025

Medical Technology

Pakistan launches Online Approval Process for Medical Devices. The new online regulatory system aims to speed up licensing for medical devices, enabling companies to secure approvals within just 20 days - a process that previously took up to three and a half years and was often mired in red tape.

Source: Profit

Date: October 12, 2025

New Zealand approves Medical Devices Framework. The framework recognizes both Health New Zealand (HNZ) and Pharmac to manage and procure certain medical devices. Each agency will have a separate responsibility for procurement, with scope to collaborate where required. The approach provides clarity for manufacturers by clearly defining agency responsibilities, Associate Health Minister David Seymour said.

Source: Healthcare Asia Magazine

In detail: Press Release

Date: October 01, 2025

New Zealand outlines its Medical Products Bill. The Bill removes restrictions requiring community pharmacies to be majority-owned by registered pharmacists. It will also introduce a new role of supervisory pharmacist, which will be required in all companies that operate more than one pharmacy and will be responsible for compliance with pharmacy standards and regulations across the company.

Source: Healthcare Asia

In detail: Press Release

Date: October 16, 2025

Aerospace Technology

Thailand enters the Space Sector. Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) unveiled a plan to develop the nation's first Spaceport. GISTDA is currently conducting a comprehensive feasibility study covering the economic and business potential, environmental and social impacts, and possible development sites across the country.

Source: NBT World

Date: October 15, 2025

Programs & Projects