AGP Executive Report

Quantum Science: Arizona State University researchers have produced their fastest X-ray pulses yet, capturing quantum dynamics in a compact instrument. The facility is opening to researchers worldwide. Clean Tech: Chinese exports of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries are projected to help avoid 450 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions abroad this year, an analysis says. Space and Science: Los Angeles’ California Science Center will open a new air and space center on Nov. 13, featuring 100 hands-on exhibits and the complete Space Shuttle Endeavour system. AI Efficiency: LG Uplus says its smartphone-focused AI research, accepted at NeurIPS, achieved 4.5-times faster processing while cutting battery use by 77%. Research Links: Switzerland and China approved a data-sharing agreement intended to give joint research projects a clearer legal framework. Young Innovator: Seventh-grader Bowen Wang won a national technology award for an AI tool that forecasts earthquake aftershocks. Earth Science: Researchers found that molten rock deep inside Earth can store more oxygen than previously thought, potentially offering new clues to the planet’s ancient atmosphere.

Chip Security: A South Korean university researcher was indicted over alleged theft of Samsung’s advanced chipmaking technology, exposing security risks in industry-academia partnerships. Wildlife Science: More than 300 southern right whale calves have died off Argentina this year—nearly three times the previous record—as researchers investigate the cause. Astronomy: A possible sixth dwarf planet, spotted in data from Chile’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory, had gone unnoticed in telescope images since 2016; it is not yet officially confirmed. Extreme Weather: Malaysia plans to propose drought-preparedness measures as forecasts point to a very strong El Niño and possible temperatures of 40°C next year. Muscle Aging: Researchers studying why aging muscles shift toward slow-twitch fibers are investigating cardiolipin, a molecule in mitochondria, as a possible lead for future treatments. AI and Quantum Tech: Malaysia’s prime minister urged the country to master emerging technologies, including AI and quantum computing, while keeping cultural and ethical values in view.

Climate & Health: A new Lancet Countdown report says climate harms accelerated over the past decade; a related analysis estimates nearly 3 million climate-linked deaths from 2016 to 2023. Researchers urge governments to treat climate change as a health emergency. Cybersecurity: Daishin Securities reported a breach affecting 38,490 customers, while Bithumb and Mirae Asset are investigating unauthorized access. India’s regional rural banks plan cybersecurity centres to strengthen threat detection and response. Immune Science: McGill researchers found that T cells can sense tissue stiffness, a discovery that could reshape research into lasting immune protection and cancer treatments. Deep Tech: India’s Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave is bringing researchers, industry and startups together around AI, biotechnology, advanced materials and other fields, with about 150 startup exhibits. Young Innovator: Fifteen-year-old Bailey Quinn Frank won a $25,000 award for designing a low-cost device to monitor pathogens in the environment.

Homegrown Technology: Malaysia is urging a shift from adopting foreign innovations to developing and commercialising local technologies, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the country to lead in next-generation science and technology. AI and Energy: Gas Exporting Countries Forum members are backing wider use of modern technologies, including AI, to improve efficiency, cut costs and reduce environmental impacts. Space Science: The UAE is exploring biotechnology research in microgravity as commercial space stations open new opportunities for experiments. Growing Food Beyond Earth: A student-designed experiment aboard the International Space Station will test how space travel affects vegetable seeds and their prospects for future space farming.

AI Infrastructure: Malaysia confirmed SoftBank as the investor behind a proposed US$50 billion technology push, with AI and data-center projects planned in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Science and Innovation: India’s three-day Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave opens today, bringing together researchers, industry and 150 deep-tech startups to discuss fields from AI to climate science. Nuclear Energy: Hyundai Engineering signed US agreements to explore demonstration projects for two next-generation small modular reactor designs, targeting demand for reliable, low-carbon power. Quantum Sensing: Adelaide researchers found a simpler way to help highly sensitive quantum sensors identify zero magnetic fields, with potential uses in brain imaging and medical diagnostics. Cybersecurity: The US cyber agency’s new CISA 2030 strategy calls for a more proactive defense of critical infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats. Cancer Treatment: Roche reported phase III results showing its experimental drug divarasib reduced the risk of death in previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated lung cancer compared with current inhibitors.

AI Drug Discovery: Researchers used an AI model to design enzymes for a challenging step in making the HIV-prevention drug lenacapavir. Four of 67 designs worked in lab tests; the best converted 79% of the target material. The findings are in a preprint that has not been peer-reviewed. AI Race: DeepSeek’s updated model topped weekly global usage rankings with 33.6 trillion tokens, an 801% jump from the previous week, according to OpenRouter data. Genetic Resources: Oman is laying groundwork for a national database to organize genetic-resource data and support research, conservation and innovation. Cybersecurity: The ITU adopted its first international standard for quantum key distribution protocols, while Microsoft says China-linked hackers used an AI tool in cyberattacks. Climate and Health: Scientists estimate Europe’s record-breaking summer heat killed more than 50,000 people in cities, with about two-thirds of deaths linked to climate change; the estimate has not yet been peer-reviewed. Moon Plans: NASA says it is targeting an Artemis IV astronaut landing in 2028 as it accelerates plans for a lunar base.

AI Cybersecurity: Microsoft says China-aligned hackers used an AI tool to accelerate attacks on hundreds of organizations worldwide, gaining privileged cloud access in some cases within three hours. Connected Devices: Casio suspended some watch-app services over a critical PHP security issue; the company reported no confirmed breach or customer-data leak. Foldables: Samsung will announce its next premium foldable in China on Oct. 29; reports point to a W27, though the company has not confirmed the name or specifications. Disaster Response: Malaysia sent 11 rescuers and nine drones to support Nepal’s search for mudslide victims, providing equipment and expertise local teams lacked. Cancer Research: A global Phase III trial found the investigational drug divarasib extended overall survival for some patients with previously treated KRAS G12C lung cancer. Semiconductors: China’s YMTC reached a 16.5% share of global NAND shipments in the second quarter, ranking third behind Samsung and SK hynix. Cosmology: The Lumina simulation depicts the first two billion years after the Big Bang, tracing how matter and radiation shaped the earliest galaxies.

Regional Energy: Malaysia will use Singapore International Energy Week to push the ASEAN Power Grid, aiming to improve cross-border electricity security and support the clean-energy transition. Cybersecurity: India opened a ₹169-crore RBI data centre and training institute in Odisha to strengthen financial systems and cyber defences. AI Economics: McKinsey estimates AI could generate $2.52 trillion in annual global value, but a 30% rise in deployment costs could cut that potential by $850 billion. Cancer Research: A study of nearly half a million pancreatic cancer cells found how genetic changes help tumours spread and resist treatment, pointing to possible new targets. Climate: UNEP says global emissions must fall 45% by 2035 from 2025 levels to limit warming and return to the 1.5°C goal by century’s end. Digital Security: A critical PHP software flaw has prompted urgent fixes worldwide, with Bangladesh Bank’s website among services hit by disruption.

Everyday Nuclear Science: Malaysia’s Nuclear Agency says radioisotopes help detect diseases such as cancer, while radiation-based crop research has produced a softer-fibre tapioca variety that may be ready to harvest within six months. Cybersecurity Alert: Long-standing flaws in PHP, which powers about 70% of websites, have become easier to exploit with AI, prompting urgent updates and service restrictions as experts warn of possible data theft and website disruption. AI Investment: Malaysia says a global investor plans to put US$50 billion into AI, new technology and data centres, potentially creating new jobs. Muscle Aging: A Singapore-led study found exercise suppresses the DEAF1 gene, helping aging muscle cells clear damaged proteins and maintain strength. Earlier Cancer Detection: Researchers in Norway developed an AI model that estimates breast cancer risk over the next one to five years, potentially helping doctors spot cases sooner. Coral Reef Risk: A global assessment found 96% of shallow-water coral reef ecosystems are critically endangered, with nearly all facing an extremely high risk of collapse by 2075.

AI Investment: Malaysia says a global investor plans to put US$50 billion into AI, technology and data centers, with the proposed projects expected to create jobs. Cybersecurity: A PHP vulnerability has prompted banks and government agencies in several countries to take websites offline while they assess risks; reports say attackers could use the flaw to run commands on affected servers. Space Security: China warned that military competition in orbit is growing faster than international rules and called for stronger global governance. Biosecurity: Researchers proposed a light-based method to detect hypothetical “mirror life” — a potential safeguard against organisms built from reversed biological molecules.

Financial Cybersecurity: An IMF–World Bank report warns online fraud is becoming a global economic threat: financial-sector cyber incidents have increased tenfold in a decade, and worldwide fraud losses reached nearly $500 billion in 2025. Certificate Security: eMudhra is exiting the global SSL/TLS certificate business after weak cryptographic keys were found in eight issuing authorities, raising concerns about website impersonation and user data theft. Web Vulnerability: A PHP security flaw has triggered global alerts and disruptions, prompting some government websites to take protective steps. Digital Privacy: AI tool Raven can use interior photos and online listings to pinpoint a property’s location; its use by police has renewed concerns about privacy. Health Science: A study using period-tracking app data found a link between PM2.5 air pollution exposure and longer menstrual cycles, raising questions about pollution’s effects on reproductive health. Ocean Science: A global assessment warns that 96% of coral reef ecosystems could face collapse by 2075, underscoring the scale of the threat to marine life.

Digital Security: A Malaysian analyst warned that reliance on foreign navigation apps could expose users’ personal data and create national-security risks. Separately, critical PHP vulnerabilities have triggered a global scramble to secure websites, including those running WordPress and Drupal. Viral Immunity: Hyderabad researchers identified DZIP3, a protein that detects viral RNA and activates immune defenses; the pathway protected against viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and chikungunya in tests. Ebola Forecasting: An international team linked large-scale climate patterns to the timing of Ebola outbreaks, suggesting weather signals could help identify higher-risk periods and regions. Water Security: NASA satellite data show southwestern U.S. aquifers are being drained faster than they recharge, threatening irrigated agriculture and food production. ADHD Treatment: A multinational study found self-harm risk was highest before patients began ADHD medication, not after treatment started.

Cybersecurity: A newly exposed PHP flaw has triggered an international scramble to patch websites, with some public services taken offline. The widely used language powers about 70% of sites whose server technology is known. Climate Science: A global assessment warns that 96% of shallow-water coral reef ecosystems are critically endangered and could collapse by 2075, as ocean warming drives increasingly severe bleaching. Cancer Research: Scientists have found immune cells that can attack small-cell lung cancer, and say existing medicines may strengthen their cancer-fighting ability. Cleaner Industry: A new membrane could help refineries separate crude oil at room temperature; simulations suggest it may cut energy use by nearly a third when paired with conventional distillation. Medical AI: BioStack has raised $9.5 million to build a training-data network from more than 100 million de-identified patient records across four countries. Space Research: Australia has offered astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg a place on a 2028 International Space Station mission, which could create new research and technology-testing opportunities.

Cybersecurity: Critical PHP vulnerabilities triggered a global alert, prompting some governments to take websites and services offline as a precaution. Digital Trust: Certificate provider eMudhra is exiting its global SSL/TLS business after weakly generated private keys exposed eight intermediate certificates to risk; the company said they had not been used to issue certificates for websites. AI Infrastructure: Armenia’s Firebird currently runs 6,144 Nvidia GPUs and plans to expand its Hrazdan data center to more than 70,000, positioning the country to compete for AI investment. Connectivity: Construction has begun on a $25 million undersea cable landing in Curaçao, linking the island with Caribbean markets and Florida; service is planned for late 2027. Government AI Controls: The U.S. has ordered federal agencies to remove China’s DeepSeek applications from government systems, citing national security concerns.

AI Safety: Nearly 500 scientists from 39 countries, including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, are calling for stronger safeguards, incident reporting and an international body to oversee AI risks. Cybersecurity: Emergency PHP flaws have prompted government websites to go offline and urgent calls to install fixes; experts warn AI could help attackers find vulnerable sites at scale. Brain Research: A five-year, $3.2 million NIH-backed project will analyze more than 94,000 brain scans from 27 countries to identify shared and distinct patterns across eight psychiatric disorders. Immune Science: Southampton researchers are exploring whether reprogrammed natural killer cells could provide faster protection against respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV. Arctic Climate: Ancient sea-ice data suggest the Arctic could lose about one million more square kilometres of winter ice than current projections indicate.

Climate Science: A new UN report says emissions must fall 18% by 2030 and 45% by 2035 to limit warming overshoot; current policies risk 2.8°C of warming this century. Global Research: The Beijing Science Declaration sets 18 priorities for international science cooperation, including open data, equitable access to research and protection of scientific freedom. Cybersecurity: Greece’s defence minister warned that cyberattacks on infrastructure such as hospitals, energy networks and ports are a national security threat. Data Sovereignty: Malaysia urged civil servants to stop using Waze, citing concerns over sensitive location data and the app’s Israeli legal jurisdiction; a Dutch security report separately warned that reliance on Big Tech could weaken government control. Workplace Technology: A survey of 2,017 workers and decision-makers in the U.S. and Canada found disconnected tools can undermine productivity while adding security and governance risks.