The Albanese Government is prioritizing academic collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region, announcing the first recipients of the $40 million Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund. Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic revealed $6 million for successful projects involving partners from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Among the funded initiatives are enhancing radiation testing methods, developing a wireless solar-thermal-plasmonic reactor, creating AI-powered solar cells, and establishing a Sunlight-to-Hydrogen Research Hub. These projects aim to advance technology and manufacturing, with a focus on areas like hydrogen production, AI, and quantum computing. The initiative aims to bolster Australia's economy, provide funding for innovative research, and facilitate global collaborations across various scientific domains.