💼 Female Workforce Participation. China Tops Green Transport. US Led in Semiconductor R&D Spending.

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COP30 highlights urgent green-skills gap. Washington makes $1B pitch to strengthen rural health care and workforce. Microsoft strengthens UAE’s AI ambitions with launch of Elevate programme. Singapore and China strengthen economic ties through new MoUs in advance manufacturing and AI collaboration.

SAP expands AI training offerings globally. Google and Dot Inc are using Dot Pads with Chromebooks to help blind students access digital graphics. England’s education review recommends reducing GCSE exam time, introducing AI/data qualifications and updating curriculum in 2028.

Today's Topics

💼 Workforce. Cambodia led Southeast Asian female workforce
🍃 Green Skills. China led in global green transport 
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing. US led with 6% more R&D spending compared to other top economies

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💼 Cambodia Led Southeast Asian Female Workforce

Cambodia records the highest female workforce participation in Southeast Asia reaching nearly 80%, followed by Vietnam and Singapore. The data reveals that developing economies often see higher female labour engagement due to reliance on informal and agricultural sectors, while more industrialized economies show moderated participation rates. ASEAN’s Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework aim to address wage gaps and promote formal employment pathways for women across the region, guided by the ASEAN Secretariat.

🍃 China Led in Global Green Transport

China leads with nearly 50% green transport adoption, ahead of European counterparts. The data reflects China’s strong policy push for electric and low emission public transport, accelerated by urban air quality goals. European nations are prioritizing infrastructure and behavioral shifts. The EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, led by the European Commission, remains central to accelerating low carbon transit transitions.

🏭 US Led With 6% More R&D Spending Compared to Other Top Economies

The US spent about one-fifth of its semiconductor revenue on R&D in 2024, leading globally, followed by South Korea and Taiwan, which each invested over 10%. While Taiwan dominates global semiconductor manufacturing, the US hosts major AI companies like NVIDIA, driving strong investment in chip innovation. In contrast, the European Union lags behind these leaders but is addressing the gap through initiatives like the EU Chips Act to boost R&D and competitiveness. However, recent sharp declines in AI stocks have sparked fears of an impending bubble similar to the 2000 Dot-Com and 2008 financial crises.

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