Technology

An Open Letter to The White House: How We Win the New AI Cold War

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2025

In this release Ben Van Roo, founder and CEO of Yurts, shares his views on the current state of the AI landscape

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The current AI race between the U.S. and China is often viewed through the lens of the Manhattan Project’s initiative to build the atomic bomb—a nonstop sprint to the finish line before the enemy gets there.

That’s the wrong perspective. Unlike developing the bomb, getting there first doesn’t signal victory. And the race is really close. DeepSeek has already proven that Chinese technology is months, not years, behind the U.S. The central strategy to withhold technology from China via export controls isn’t working.

A better framework to understand the challenge ahead is the Cold War – a lengthy, strategic chess match that played out over decades. Winning is achieved through harnessing our national strengths in innovation to reimagine our workforce, institutions, and defense infrastructure for a new era.

The White House is correct in calling for the Development of an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. The administration’s strategy must harness AI as a catalyst for positive economic transformation and integrate its benefits across our economy.

A new form of victory

As a nation, we focus on how to lead in AI innovation, adoption, and integration across all sectors of our economy and society. During the Cold War, the U.S. bolstered its commitment to freedom by developing the world’s most vigorous, thriving businesses and technological advancements. Early government investment in Silicon Valley laid the groundwork for the breakthroughs that continue today. National defense was a public/private partnership that built strong institutions and secured our national interests.

Winning will not be about defeating a common enemy but building a new American future that improves economic and civic life. While a strong national defense was critical, it was only part of our victory in the last Cold War.

Winning means empowering the next generation of scientists and researchers who can create breakthroughs that are only possible through the deep research and scale that AI provides. Winning can bring about long-sought modernization and reformation of our institutions to make them more efficient and responsive. The White House must prioritize a bold yet principled approach to empowering those building the AI breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Containment won’t win the war

Too much of our current AI strategy has been defensive. The DeepSeek story shows that relying on export controls is a fool’s errand. An elaborate black market with underground distributor networks, shell companies, and clandestine shipping routes has allowed Chinese companies to move fast. China’s domestic capacity at building new AI models, even if not at the highest levels of what those using the best Nvidia can offer, has given the nation near parity.

China’s managed economy gives it the advantage of rapidly mobilizing industries to reach a common goal. Our Cold War strategy must account for a competitor with a different model of government and economic incentives who can only be slowed, not stopped.

Relying on export controls to achieve permanent superiority in AI development is wishful thinking. We must make a national commitment to building the infrastructure and systems that will create winners across our economy and institutions.

Adoption and integration must be our focus
The U.S. won the Cold War by out-innovating, outproducing, and outorganizing its adversaries. We must take the same approach with AI. First, we must rapidly reskill our workforce for an era when many jobs will look dramatically different in just a few years. Federal policy must prioritize fostering talent pipelines that ensure the next wave of applications and use cases starts here.

Building a national effort behind AI is also the right way to ensure safety is a priority. AI moves too quickly for organizations to decide in silos when there are risks to mitigate. We need national consensus on best principles without the rigidity that would stifle new development.

Building infrastructure for transformation
Another helpful way to think about AI is how electrification transformed American life in the late 1800s. Initially a niche innovation, powering a few industrial applications and the homes of the wealthy, electricity expanded through government incentives, private investment, and, most importantly–a national vision to improve everyone’s life.

It took time for electricity to move from a select few to cities across America’s rural lands. But as it took hold, it changed life for the better–powering new industries, improving productivity, and lifting communities into a modern era.

AI has the same potential. Adversarial nations are making the AI Cold War a national priority. We must do the same—not with a regressive approach, but instead with a market-driven and coordinated strategy that will foster a new generation of economic, social, and defense benefits for all.

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SOURCE Yurts AI

Technology

Neptune Robotics Invests US$12mn in New Singapore Factory to Drive Five-Fold Increase in Autonomous Ship Hull Cleanings

Published

33 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Move to capture a larger share of Singapore’s hull cleanings at berth and anchorage
New R&D operations enhances cutting-edge robotics and AI capabilities

SINGAPORE, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Neptune Robotics (“Neptune”), a pioneer in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning services with a presence in 61 ports across Singapore and China, today announced a major manufacturing and R&D expansion in Singapore. This is part of the company’s continuing ambition to tackle biofouling, one of the shipping industry’s costliest issues with significant environmental impact.

On the back of a US$52 million Series B round led by Granite Asia in September 2025, the new facility will accelerate Neptune’s mission to slash maritime carbon emissions and fuel wastage through automated hull maintenance.

“Our investment in Singapore is a strategic milestone that will enhance our service provision to clients and position us to meet their current and future needs,” said Elizabeth Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Neptune Robotics. “With operators facing mounting fuel cost and emissions pressures, we’re scaling autonomous hull cleaning to help mitigate these issues and empower our clients to run more sustainable shipping operations.”

A growing number of shipowners are realizing the benefits of Neptune’s solutions. Biofouling — the buildup of marine growth on hulls — can increase ship greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25-30%[1] depending on vessel characteristics and conditions. Neptune’s AI robots remove this growth without damaging hull coatings, providing an immediate ROI for shipowners facing volatile energy markets and evolving sustainability regulations.

The new facility will bring a number of benefits including:

Increased capacity: By the end of 2026, Neptune will increase its local autonomous cleaning capacity by 400% with plans to reach 60 daily hulls by 2027.Advancing AI and robotics: The new facilities in Singapore will house dedicated R&D operations to advance the company’s proprietary computer vision and machine learning capabilities. This will ensure robots can operate 24/7 in challenging conditions including extreme weather, strong currents and low-visibility water.

With a global network now covering 61 strategic ports across Singapore and China, Neptune is scaling AI-driven hull maintenance to the heart of global trade. The company now services 70% of Asia’s primary shipping lanes, providing standardized, robotic hull cleaning at more than half of the world’s international merchant stops.

Since entering the Singapore market in 2024, Neptune has seen significant growth even as the local competitive landscape has thinned. By automating the hull cleaning process, Neptune eliminates the need for human divers in dangerous environments while ensuring vessels remain fuel efficient at sea.

Neptune will be exhibiting at Booth D19 during Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), April 20–24, 2026.

– ENDS –

About Neptune Robotics

Neptune Robotics is a technology company specializing in robotics-driven vessel cleaning and energy efficiency optimization.

Its robotic system can clean full draft capesize vessels within 24 hours, counter 4-knot currents, and operate day and night in both clear and murky waters. With coverage across 61 ports in Singapore and China — representing around 70% of major trade routes — Neptune supports shipowners at scale.

Neptune’s services are trusted by the world’s top five bulk carrier and container ship fleets. Its approach has earned endorsement from a leading silicone paint manufacturer for protecting hull coatings. Capable of cleaning all vessel types, Neptune helps clients cut fuel use, lower emissions, and advance their 2050 net-zero goals.

In September 2025, Neptune raised US$52 million in Series B funding led by Granite Asia to drive R&D, new robotic systems, and global expansion.

Company website: Neptune Robotics | ROV Underwater Hull Cleaning

[1] https://shipandbunker.com/news/emea/266832-imo-publishes-final-biofouling-report

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SOURCE Neptune Robotics

Technology

transcosmos organizes a well-digging volunteer project in Vietnam

Published

33 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Aiming to address community-specific, long-term challenges through continuous efforts in environmental conservation, child support, and infrastructure support projects

TOKYO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — transcosmos today announced that transcosmos technology Vietnam co., ltd. (Headquarters: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; CEO: Daisuke Kamada; transcosmos Technologies Vietnam, TTV), its wholly owned subsidiary specializing in agile software development services in Vietnam, has organized a well-digging volunteer project in Kon Tu Ma Village, Mang Den, Kon Plong District, Quang Ngai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

In 2022, TTV initiated an employee-led TTV Volunteering Club to boost unity and foster social awareness among employees. Today, approximately 20 employees participate in volunteering activities, led by 10 club members, engaging in initiatives such as environmental conservation, child support, and infrastructure support projects.

This time, the project was carried out in Mang Den, a beautiful place known as “the second Da Lat.” Nestled amidst gently sloping mountains and abundant virgin forests, Mang Den is located on a tranquil plateau with a comfortable, cool climate throughout the year. Many ethnic minority groups sustain themselves mainly through agriculture; however, they face various challenges related to their living environment, medical care, and education. Children living in remote mountainous areas, in particular, face severe conditions.

In Mang Den, TTV has been carrying out volunteering activities for these children by providing meals and clothing, as well as recreational events and interaction programs. To further deepen these initiatives, TTV has dug a well to provide clean water to Kon Tu Ma Village and has also provided food and daily necessities.

With the Village Mayor, A Reo, and Mr. Hia, who is in charge of public safety, in attendance, TTV handed over the completed well at the grand opening ceremony. At the ceremony, Mayor A Reo commented, “This will not only help improve daily life, but also provide a secure environment even during dry seasons. We appreciate TTV’s support and thank you for your continued assistance.”

With the aim of establishing safe and sustainable water supply systems, TTV will continue to consider possibilities for supporting the development of water storage facilities and water purification systems. Guided by the belief that helping communities address community-specific, long-term challenges—going beyond temporary support—is the ideal approach, TTV is committed to continuing its volunteering activities.

*transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.

*Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior “people” with cutting-edge “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes, focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 186 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of the e-commerce market on a global scale, transcosmos provides comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos is committed to treating the challenges of its clients and society as its own—discussing and addressing their issues from planning to execution—and Make It Real, Together. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

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SOURCE transcosmos inc.

Technology

Agoda Launches brand new ‘What a Save!’ campaign in India

Published

33 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

NEW DELHI, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda is ready to save the day and travelers’ wallets with its fresh “What a Save!” campaign. This lighthearted set of digital ads, including three unique videos, blends humor with creativity to highlight real savings of up to 50% off on domestic hotel bookings.

In the campaign’s videos, viewers are treated to unexpected acts of heroism. One shows a beachgoer rescuing a dolphin washed ashore, with the crowd exclaiming “What a save!” only for the hero to cheekily add, “Actual savings happen on Agoda.” Another video features a girl performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking peacock, with a grateful mom echoing the same sentiment about Agoda’s savings.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director India at Agoda, shared, “With the new ‘What a Save!’ campaign, we’re blending humor with genuine value. Agoda aims to make travel planning as enjoyable as the journey itself. Wherever travelers venture, booking with Agoda ensures they’ll be amazed and exclaim, ‘What a Save!’.”

In addition to the videos, Agoda is rolling out digital creatives and teaming up with popular creators like Aparshakti Khurana, Raghu and Rajiv of Roadies fame, and Gajraj Rao. This dynamic content lineup is set to engage audiences and highlight Agoda’s knack for great deals and a delightful booking experience.

Agoda’s “What a Save!” campaign is now live on Meta platforms, YouTube and other digital channels. It showcases the platform’s vast offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Travelers can explore these offerings and find the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app. For more information, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2959229/What_a_Save_Campaign_Visual.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567836/Agoda.jpg

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