The Asian technology and business landscape continues to see significant developments across semiconductors, digital payments, artificial intelligence and defence technology. Sony and TSMC are expanding their semiconductor partnership in Japan, contributing to the country’s growing efforts to attract overseas chip investment. In Singapore, Google Play has added ShopeePay as a payment option, strengthening digital payment choices for consumers. China’s semiconductor sector is also seeing fresh investment, with a YMTC-backed fund backing chipmaker SOI Micro. Meanwhile, AI software startup Lovable has raised $400 million at a $13.3 billion valuation as demand for AI-powered development tools accelerates. In India, defence startup Kshatra Labs has secured pre-seed funding to advance autonomous counter-drone systems and related technologies.Sony-TSMC Partnership Pushes Japan’s Chip Investment to $37 BillionSony and TSMC are expanding their semiconductor partnership in Japan. The collaboration is helping drive overseas chip investment in the country. Total foreign investment in Japan’s chipmaking sector has reached about $37 billion. The move supports Tokyo’s efforts to rebuild its semiconductor supply chain. Sony and TSMC are developing semiconductor manufacturing operations in Kumamoto. Their partnership focuses on applications including automotive, robotics and image sensors. Japan is increasing government support to attract semiconductor investment and strengthen domestic production.Google Play Adds ShopeePay as Payment Option in SingaporeGoogle Play has added ShopeePay as a payment option for users in Singapore. The move allows consumers to use the digital wallet for apps and digital content. It also expands ShopeePay’s role beyond Shopee’s e-commerce platform. The integration strengthens Sea’s digital payments presence in Southeast Asia. ShopeePay users can make Google Play purchases directly through their digital wallets. The service has expanded its payment capabilities across several Southeast Asian markets. The move could encourage wider adoption of ShopeePay for everyday digital transactions.YMTC-Backed Fund Invests in SOI Micro to Boost China ChipmakingA fund backed by YMTC has invested in Chinese semiconductor company SOI Micro. The investment comes as China seeks to develop more domestic chipmaking technologies. SOI Micro is working on silicon-on-insulator technology for low-power chips. The funding highlights Beijing’s push to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor technologies. SOI Micro is developing fully depleted silicon-on-insulator technology for logic chips. The investment brings the Changcun Industry Investment Fund in as a new shareholder. The funding supports China’s broader efforts to strengthen its domestic semiconductor ecosystem.Lovable Raises $400 Million at $13.3 Billion ValuationAI software startup Lovable has raised $400 million in a new funding round. The investment has pushed the company’s valuation to $13.3 billion. Menlo Ventures led the round alongside EQT’s Scaleup Europe Fund. The funding reflects growing investor interest in AI-powered software development. Lovable’s latest valuation is roughly double its $6.6 billion valuation from December 2025. More than 60 million projects have reportedly been created on its platform since launch. The company plans to expand from software creation into a broader platform for running businesses.Also Read: Yulu Raises $93 Million to Expand India's Electric Mobility BusinessKshatra Labs Secures Pre-Seed Funding for Defence TechnologyBengaluru-based Kshatra Labs has secured pre-seed funding to develop defence technologies. The startup is focused on autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities. Its platforms combine artificial intelligence, computer vision and autonomous navigation. The company aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in emerging defence technologies. Kshatra Labs has raised about ₹4 crore in pre-seed funding. Its Hawk autonomous interceptor UAV is being developed for counter-UAS operations. The startup is also advancing edge-AI systems designed to operate without continuous cloud connectivity.