Insurer AIA Group posts 10% jump in half-year new business value - The Business Times

• Palo Alto Networks has officially launched a new AI-driven defense program designed to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. • The initiative focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to proactively detect and neutralize sophisticated cyber threats.

• Asian AI and semiconductor stocks experienced a sharp decline as rising yields sparked renewed concerns over company valuations. • Major South Korean indices were hit hard, with the KOSPI plunging 5.2%, while Samsung Electronics fell 7.5% and SK Hynix Inc dropped 10%.

• Rapid7 warns that the surge in AI-driven vulnerability disclosures and accelerated exploitation speeds are overwhelming traditional patching cycles. • Security defenders are being forced to shift their strategy, prioritizing actual exposure and risk over standard CVSS severity scores.

• OpenAI confirms the launch of ChatGPT Ads in 31 European countries next week. • The ads will go live in countries including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and others.

• OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT Ads to 31 European countries starting next week, including major markets like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. • The rollout will begin with managed access for select partners before transitioning to a self-serve model for a broader range of advertisers.

• Venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, and Tiger Global, are shifting their investment focus as of August 18, 2026. • Investors are moving away from generic AI software to fund deeper technology stack components such as specialized silicon, energy efficiency, and biological science.

• OpenAI has announced the expansion of its ChatGPT Ads service and product to 31 European countries. • The rollout includes major markets such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Austria.

• OpenAI will begin displaying in-chat advertisements to ChatGPT Free and Go plan users across 31 European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy. • The rollout is scheduled to take place during the week of August 24 to 30, 2026.

• OpenAI announced on Wednesday that it will launch ChatGPT Ads across 31 European countries starting next week, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Scandinavia. • The move introduces a new monetization strategy for the AI platform, integrating advertisements directly into the user experience.

• Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) reported record first-half 2026 results, with profits increasing 24% to HK$10.6 billion. • Growth was primarily driven by record trading volumes and a surge in IPO activity, specifically among technology and AI-focused companies.

• The PCI Security Standards Council is hosting its Asia-Pacific Community Meeting in Kuala Lumpur to commemorate the organization's 20th anniversary. • The gathering focuses on the evolving landscape of payment security, specifically addressing how artificial intelligence is altering the industry.