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Latest news features and opinion on technology, covering everything from AI innovation to smartphone makers and apps.
“Life of Pi”, directed by Ang Lee, won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2013. Photo: 20th Century Fox
Malaysia

‘No taste’: Malaysia’s Life of Pi and Squid Game artists warn against AI rush

After viewers slammed AI-enhanced films for looking ‘cheap’, local experts warn that algorithms serve profit, not storytelling.

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Artificial intelligence

Review of Meta-Manus deal underscores China’s tightening grip on AI exports

US-China relations

US government abandons plan to blacklist Chinese-made drones

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Semiconductors

The great chip leap: China’s semiconductor equipment self-reliance beats targets

Domestic suppliers capture 35 per cent share as China accelerates push for semiconductor self-sufficiency.

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China’s semiconductor industry is being encouraged to favour local suppliers over US rivals. Photo: Reuters
IPO

Chinese AI start-up MiniMax shines on Hong Kong IPO debut

The shares jump as much as 113.2 per cent to HK$351.80 before ending the day 109.1 per cent higher at HK$345.

Hong Kong economy

The Drone Age: hi-tech wizardry propels Hong Kong towards lift-off

As Hong Kong prepares to enter the era of flying taxis, key players roll out groundbreaking innovations at the cutting edge of technology.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s Xpeng unveils hybrid SUV boasting world’s longest driving distance

Launch of new G7 edition underscores Xpeng’s go-global push and rising competition with Tesla and BYD.

The hybrid G7 super utility vehicle boasts a range of more than 1,700km without charging, according to Xpeng. Photo: Handout
Artificial intelligence

‘Leading us down a pretty dark path’: AI under the spotlight at CES 2026

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is among many at CES 2026 shining a light on both the positive and negative ways AI is affecting entertainment.

Artificial intelligence

China to probe Meta’s purchase of Manus over export controls, tech concerns

Probe comes amid concerns the US$2.5 billion acquisition could breach tech export controls and encourage more start-ups to relocate offshore.

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Artificial intelligence

Dose of uncertainty: experts wary of AI health tech gadgets at CES trade show

Technology and health experts question the accuracy of these products and warn of data privacy issues.

People try out the Bodyfriend 733 Healthcare Robot at the CES trade show in Las Vegas on January 6, 2026. Photo: AP
Science

China sends 0.1-second blackout recovery tech to protect grids in 12 nations

Grid protection technology enables faults to be isolated and restored within hundred-millisecond window, compared with hours previously.

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China’s advanced grid protection technology enables power grid faults to be isolated and restored within a split second, and also solves the problem of identifying micro-current faults at the hundred milliampere level. Photo: Xinhua
US-China trade war

BYD’s win, Tesla’s defeat, Ford’s pivot: the widening gap in US-China EV markets

From wavering policy to cost gaps, analysts say decades of state backing have given China a decisive edge over US rivals.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

China trade

China initiates anti-dumping probe against Japan over key semiconductor chemical

Beijing’s investigation targets imports of dichlorosilane from Japan, alleging dumping that harms Chinese production, amid escalating bilateral and trade tensions.

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A worker is seen at a semiconductor factory in China’s Jiangsu province. Beijing has launched an anti-dumping investigation against Japan over a chemical used in chipmaking. Photo: AFP
ByteDance

ByteDance boosts Shenzhen presence with ‘second headquarters’ for Douyin unit

The Chinese short video giant’s new base in Nanshan district was announced by the city’s publicity department on Tuesday.

ByteDance operates Douyin, China’s most popular video-sharing platform. Photo: Shutterstock
Artificial intelligence

Alibaba’s Amap rolls out AI-powered 3D virtual tours for offline destinations

Flying Street View feature offers virtual tours of restaurants and venues as platform nears 1 billion monthly users.

China manufacturing

Shanghai unveils US$10 billion investment spree as US-China tech race heats up

Shanghai announces 50 new projects across an array of hi-tech industries as China’s cities heed Beijing’s call to double down on innovation.

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Singapore

Singapore, Beijing land in top 10 of Savills’ Matcha Index of global tech cities

Even with its premium-priced matcha drinks, Singapore ranks among the world’s most ‘liveable’ cities for tech workers.

Singapore’s vibrant and rich cafe culture has made it one of the world’s most liveable cities for tech workers. Photo: Shutterstock
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s CATL, Nio deepen partnership to develop extended-life EV batteries

Joint effort highlights urgency as industry – including 40 million EV owners – braces for costly replacements.

Artificial intelligence

Shenzhen eyes bigger role in world robotics arena as firms vow to boost output

Premier Li Qiang urges faster adoption of robotics to benefit industries and households during a meeting with tech companies in Shenzhen.

China economy

Opinion | Innovation and exports will winnow China’s car industry in 2026

Exports will be key to profitability and chips will be the new battleground but consolidation is likely to be confined to the battery sector.

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Vehicles awaiting export at the Nanjing Port Longtan area operated by Jiangsu Port Group in Nanjing, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, on December 8. Photo: AFP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Nvidia chooses China’s Hesai for lidar in Hyperion autonomous driving platform

Hesai will supply lidar sensors for Nvidia’s Drive Hyperion, targeting L4 self-driving, as the firm accelerates global expansion.

Hesai, whose clients include premium electric vehicle maker Li Auto and Geely, said it would double its lidar production capacity to 4 million units in 2026. Photo: Getty
China's economic recovery

Li Qiang calls for bold actions to lift Guangdong economy amid rising challenges

During a visit to the province, Li Qiang emphasises need for decisive actions and innovative strategies to boost investment and consolidate Guangdong’s leading economic role for China.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla’s China sales hit record as EV buyers race to beat tax increase

US carmaker’s share of world’s biggest EV market declines to slightly more then 4 per cent amid stern challenge from local rivals.

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | With Hetao tech hub, Hong Kong is reimagining its economic future

The city is pivoting towards hi-tech development and greater cross-border integration while committing to innovation ecosystem synergy.

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An aerial view of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park which, together with the Shenzhen park on the other side of the river, forms the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, seen on December 22. Photo: Eugene Lee
Artificial intelligence

China’s DeepSeek adds advanced ‘thinking’ feature amid buzz over next model

Hangzhou-based AI start-up installs ‘interleaved thinking’ as monthly users surge 90 per cent to nearly 131.5 million.

DeepSeek’s website and mobile app now offer multi-step research with “thinking” interspersed throughout the process. Photo: Shutterstock
Health & Fitness

Bling meets gym: home fitness is becoming a fashion statement

Kim Kardashian has maxed out on state-of-the-art equipment, Khloé’s private gym resembles that of a luxury hotel, and Kourtney has her own Pilates studio.

US-China relations

Trump seen as top global risk in 2026 as US slips further behind China

Forecast warns China’s shift towards an ‘electro-state’ could widen the gap with the US, even as deflation clouds Beijing’s outlook.

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