Asia Tech Brief: Rocket Failure, Data Breaches, and a Datacenter Boom
South Korea tightens cybersecurity standards after massive data breach, while Malaysia cracks down on illegal bitcoin mining as APAC datacenter capacity surges.
A wave of significant developments is reshaping the technology landscape across Asia, from ambitious space endeavors to critical cybersecurity concerns and the relentless expansion of digital infrastructure. This week’s headlines reveal a region grappling with both innovation and vulnerability.
Chinese Rocket’s Reusable Flight Ends in Explosion
LandSpace, a Chinese rocketry company, experienced a setback last week in its attempt to launch the nation’s first reusable rocket. The Zhuque-3 Y1 successfully lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Aerospace Innovation Test Zone last Wednesday, placing its second stage into the desired orbit. However, the planned soft landing of the first stage failed, resulting in an explosion.
Despite the landing failure, LandSpace celebrated the mission as a demonstration of several key technologies. These include a nine-engine parallel liquid oxygen-methane propulsion system, advancements in aerodynamic and flight control technology, and welding techniques that reportedly reduced manufacturing costs by 80 percent. “Breakthroughs were made in online trajectory optimization, attitude stabilization, and high-precision control technologies under complex constraints,” a company release stated.
The rocket also featured a “high-bandwidth, high-reliability real-time communication platform” exceeding 100Mbps, a significant upgrade from the traditional 1553B rocket standard. Furthermore, LandSpace developed a high-performance return control computer utilizing automotive electronics, achieving over ten times the computing power of conventional launch vehicles.
Coupang Data Breach Prompts Security Overhaul in South Korea
South Korea’s government announced plans to strengthen security certifications following a major data breach at e-commerce giant Coupang. The breach compromised data pertaining to over half of the nation’s population. Coupang has apologized for the incident and reported, as of the weekend, no evidence of the stolen data being misused.
However, Seoul is responding with a toughening of infosec standards for major online platforms. The new standards will be mandatory and will include post-incident audits to determine the root causes of security failures.
APAC Datacenter Capacity Set to Triple by 2029
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for explosive growth in datacenter capacity. Analyst firm IDC predicts a tripling of capacity by 2029, from 51,887 MW currently to 142,600 MW.
“Demand for AI, cloud, and other digital services is rising fast, pushing hyperscalers, cloud providers, and digital service operators to expand at record speed,” one analyst noted. The surge is largely driven by the increasing demand for artificial intelligence. “Major construction and expansion projects across India, Malaysia, Japan, and Southeast Asia are also fueling growth,” IDC advised, adding that these developments are “reshaping the region’s digital infrastructure.”
Malaysia Tackles $1 Billion Bitcoin Mining Energy Theft
The Malaysian government has launched a task force to combat widespread electricity theft linked to illegal bitcoin mining operations. Bloomberg reported that over $1 billion worth of energy has been stolen from the grid in the past year. Authorities have identified approximately 14,000 illicit mining sites over the last five years, resulting in a 300 percent increase in electricity theft.
The task force will utilize drones and thermal scanners to locate mining operations, often hidden in abandoned buildings and residences. While cryptocurrency mining is legal in Malaysia, stringent regulations have driven many operators underground.
Canon Shuts Down Chinese Printer Factory
Japanese electronics manufacturer Canon has closed its printer factory in Guangdong province, China, citing declining demand for laser printers globally and within China. A Canon spokesperson confirmed the decision to China Daily, stating that falling demand left the company with no alternative. Canon’s other operations in China remain unaffected.
Pakistan Launches Tech Skills Program with E-Bike Incentive
The Pakistani province of Punjab has launched the Hunarmand Punjab scheme, a scholarship program designed to equip young people with in-demand tech skills and encourage freelance work. Participants will receive a free laptop and solar panel, with some also eligible to win a free e-bike.
The program offers courses in Python programming, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and WordPress development, aiming to foster a new generation of tech-savvy freelancers and build Pakistan’s technology services industry around platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer.com.
