FB Pixel no scriptKrASIA | Decoding China's tech and business pulse
MENU
KrASIA

Features

After breaking Boston Dynamics’ record, China’s Mirror Me targets new frontiers in robotics

4 mins read

Pulses

Meituan brings Peppr POS to the US

just now
Restaurant Business
Chinese tech giant Meituan is piloting Peppr, a point-of-sale and marketing suite for independent US restaurants. Built for local operations with features such as tipping and AI-powered marketing tools, the platform targets smaller eateries still using legacy systems. The pilot is underway in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston.

China tightens chip import controls

just now
Financial Times
China has stepped up border inspections on semiconductor imports, expanding checks from Nvidia’s China-specific AI chips to all advanced processors. The campaign, coordinated with the Cyberspace Administration of China, aims to curb smuggling, end reliance on US technology, and accelerate domestic chip production as Beijing seeks an edge in the AI race.

Deep Robotics unveils IP66-rated DR02 robot

just now
KrASIA
Deep Robotics has launched DR02, which it touts as the world’s first IP66-rated humanoid robot designed for industrial and outdoor use. DR02 can reportedly walk at 1.5 meters per second, lift ten kilograms per arm, and function in temperatures from -20 to 55 degrees Celsius. Its weatherproof build and modular design make it suited for security, inspection, and logistics work.

Ant unveils trillion-parameter AI model

just now
SCMP
Ant Group has launched Ling-1T, an open-source LLM with one trillion parameters that it says exceeds rivals from DeepSeek, Alibaba, and OpenAI in maths, coding, and reasoning tasks. The release, Ant’s second trillion-parameter model in as many months, underscores China’s intensifying race to advance large-scale AI systems.

OpenAI’s Sora hits one million downloads

just now
CNBC
OpenAI’s video app Sora reached one million downloads in under five days after launch, surpassing ChatGPT’s early adoption rate, according to OpenAI executive Bill Peebles. The invite-only iOS app has topped Apple’s app store charts but now faces growing copyright complaints from the Motion Picture Association over AI-generated content.

China moves to curb disorderly price wars

just now
Bloomberg
China’s market regulators have rolled out new measures to curb disorderly price competition, warning that below-cost bidding and price wars are hurting industrial development. The rules call for tighter cost reviews and stronger price enforcement as Beijing moves to address overcapacity and deflationary pressure across key sectors.

Singapore picks consortium for driverless bus trial

just now
Mogox
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has awarded a contract to a consortium comprising MKX Technologies, Mogox, and BYD to launch the country’s first Level 4 autonomous bus pilot. Set to begin in mid-2026, the three-year trial will deploy driverless public buses on routes in One-north and Marina Bay.

China’s CXMT moves closer to mainland IPO

just now
SCMP
ChangXin Memory Technologies, China’s top DRAM chipmaker, China’s leading DRAM chipmaker, has cleared key regulatory hurdles as it moves toward a long-awaited mainland IPO, according to the CSRC. The step comes amid global memory chip shortages driven by AI demand and highlights Beijing’s push for semiconductor self-sufficiency.

TikTok tests “Trendy Beat” UK feature

just now
Ebrun
TikTok is reportedly piloting a UK shopping feature called “Trendy Beat,” which enables direct sales of products popularized by viral videos. The move marks a shift from third-party sellers to in-house sourcing and fulfillment, highlighting TikTok’s broader push to expand its social commerce presence and capture a larger share of the retail value chain.

TSMC beats forecast with record Q3 sales

just now
Reuters
TSMC posted a 30% YoY revenue rise in the third quarter to TWD 989.92 billion, surpassing market forecasts as demand for AI chips from Nvidia and Apple surged. The results place revenue within TSMC’s July guidance range and underscore how AI continues to offset slowing consumer electronics sales.

China expands rare earth export controls

just now
Nikkei Asia
China has broadened its export controls on rare earths, imposing new licensing rules on technologies and extending restrictions to overseas firms using Chinese materials or know-how. Effective immediately, the measures tighten oversight of the semiconductor and AI sectors ahead of a planned US–China leaders’ summit, further straining trade relations over critical minerals.

Nvidia gets nod for UAE chip deal

just now
Bloomberg
The US has reportedly approved several billion USD in Nvidia chip exports to the UAE under a new bilateral deal linking UAE investment in the US to technology shipments. The first such permits since 2017 support a 5 GW Abu Dhabi data center anchored by OpenAI and G42, underscoring Washington’s push to strengthen AI ties with the Gulf.

Alipay’s “Tap!” gains traction among tourists

just now
Ant Group
Alipay said payments by international travelers using its "Tap!" service rose 500% during China’s Golden Week holiday from October 1–5. Launched in June 2024, the QR code-based contactless payment feature allows visitors to pay by scanning or tapping with linked overseas cards, underscoring rising cashless adoption among tourists in China.

Alibaba Cloud to power NBA fan tools

just now
NBA
NBA China and Alibaba Cloud have launched a multiyear collaboration to enhance fan engagement through AI and cloud technologies. Alibaba Cloud will develop a Qwen-based proprietary model based to deliver real-time highlights, player insights, and interactive experiences across the NBA’s digital platforms in China.

HSBC plans full takeover of Hang Seng Bank

just now
Nikkei Asia
HSBC Asia Pacific has offered HKD 106 billion to take Hang Seng Bank private at HKD 155 per share, a 30% premium to its last close. The deal would make Hang Seng a wholly owned subsidiary while preserving its brand and banking license. Hang Seng shares rose sharply, while HSBC’s fell following the announcement.

VeriSilicon revenue doubles on AI demand

just now
SCMP
VeriSilicon reported record Q3 revenue of RMB 1.28 billion, nearly doubling from the prior quarter as AI-driven demand and China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency push boosted sales. The Shanghai-based chip designer said about 65% of new orders were tied to AI-related computing and that losses are expected to narrow significantly.

Alibaba forms in-house robotics team

just now
Bloomberg
Alibaba Group has set up a robotics and embodied intelligence team within Qwen, its unit for foundational AI models, as it expands into physical AI applications. Executive Justin Lin said the team aims to extend multimodal research into real-world use. The move aligns with CEO Eddie Wu’s outlook on rising global AI investment and the broader robotics push by firms like Nvidia and SoftBank.

Chinese AI researcher quits Anthropic

just now
SCMP
Yao Shunyu, a Chinese AI researcher, has left Anthropic to join Google DeepMind, citing the former's “anti-China statements.” Yao, a Stanford-trained physicist and Tsinghua University graduate, said Anthropic’s decision to bar Chinese-affiliated companies and label China an “adversarial nation” made it untenable for him to remain.

China’s new “K visa” sparks backlash

just now
Dao Insights
China’s new "K visa," introduced on October 1, aims to attract foreign science and technology professionals with flexible entry and extended stays. Critics on social media warned it could reduce opportunities for local graduates in an already tight job market, while officials said it promotes international research and innovation exchange.

ABB sells robotics arm to SoftBank

just now
Bloomberg
SoftBank Group will acquire ABB’s industrial robotics unit for about USD 5.4 billion, strengthening its AI and automation strategy. The unit, employing over 7,000 and supplying BMW and others, expands SoftBank’s robotics portfolio under its new Robo HD holding. ABB plans to focus on electrification and M&A after the sale, due to close in 2026.
See All

Icon for Editor’s PicksEditor’s Picks

Insights

Is Yunfeng Financial becoming Jack Ma’s next Ant Group?

Backed by Ant-linked partnerships and digital asset reserves, the firm is deepening the integration of blockchain with traditional finance.

5 mins read
  • Insights

    Analysis: China’s roadmap to integrate AI across its economy through 2035

    5 mins read

Venture RoundupVenture Roundup

  • News

    Deals in brief: Valtor secures Wavemaker backing, Qapita raises Series B funding, Accel and Peak XV invest in Supabase, and more

    4 mins read
    • See All

    Automaker InsightsAutomaker Insights

    • See All

    Retail and CommerceRetail and Commerce

    • See All

    Icon for Casual ChroniclesCasual Chronicles

    100 AI Creators100 AI Creators

    • See All