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Robotics

Fintech

What lies beyond familiar frontiers? Investigate emerging tech—like quantum computing and AI—transforming traditional sectors.

Deep Tech

How does automation advance industry? Analyze robotic arms, drones, and AI-driven tools reshaping manufacturing and services.

China

Seauto’s robots are affordable, durable, and built to undercut the industry’s biggest names.

At USD 90 per unit, Seauto is quietly sweeping the pool robot market

Decoding China&#039;s tech and business pulse

KrASIA

36Kr is China's most influential business and technology network, delivering high-quality content focused on China’s innovation and new economy trends since 2010. With its extensive traffic and network, 36Kr has built a comprehensive database and strong data analytics capabilities to provide insights into China’s technology landscape.

36Kr English

How do markets shape wealth creation? Study portfolio diversification, asset classes, and strategies balancing growth and risk.

Investment

How does information move at light speed? Review 5G rollouts, fiber networks, and connectivity standards advancing global communication.

Telecommunications

What fuels startup ecosystems? Review funding rounds, investor strategies, and market insights guiding entrepreneurial growth.

Venture Capital

Singapore

Southeast Asia

Armed with new funding and a GlobalTix tie-up, Firsty is pushing a future where mobile connectivity comes pre-installed.

Can Firsty kill the SIM card? A fresh fundraise and travel tech deal give it a shot

T. K. Lin

When do companies invite public investment? Understand listing criteria, underwriter roles, and regulatory steps defining initial offerings.

Why do firms join forces? Investigate synergy goals, valuation methods, and negotiations driving corporate consolidation.

Merger &amp; Acquisition

What happens after acquisitions close? Examine deal structures, operational improvements, and exit strategies molding corporate outcomes.

Private Equity

Indonesia

Vietnam

Bringing you the latest updates on funding deals and activities in the Asia Pacific.

Deals in brief: CrediLinq secures Series A funding, Vertex Ventures backs Quantified Energy, Ringkas raises 5.1 million, and more

An alias used when humans and machines team up in our newsroom. Articles under this byline may be shaped with the help of AI, but are always vetted by a human before publication.

Sudo Lim

KrASIA tracks China’s tech and business stories—alongside key developments across the broader Asia Pacific region.

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Chinese researchers led by Microquanta Semiconductor have developed a 3D laminar flow coating technique that enables stable, high-yield production of perovskite solar panels at near-square-meter scale. The method improves crystallization, reduces defects, and enhances durability. A 500 kW pilot station using the tech reportedly outperformed silicon modules by over 30% in output under hot weather conditions.

Sany Heavy Industry has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, naming CLSA as overall coordinator. No securities are currently being offered and that regulatory approval is pending. Final terms, including offer size and timetable, will be disclosed in a prospectus if the application proceeds.

Apple plans to launch smart glasses by late 2026, featuring cameras, microphones, and Siri integration, as it steps up its AI hardware push. The company has shelved plans for a camera-equipped smartwatch and is accelerating chip production for the glasses. The move comes as Apple races to catch up with Meta and others in the wearables market.

Bonded warehouse rents have quadrupled in 2025 as US firms rush to store Chinese goods and defer Trump-era tariffs. The country has over 1,700 bonded sites, now strained by record demand. Certification delays exceed six months, and conversion costs vary widely from four- to six-figure USD sums, highlighting the growing financial and logistical stakes of trade uncertainty.

<a href="/company/openai">OpenAI</a> has launched Stargate UAE, an <a href="/industry/ai">AI</a> campus in Abu Dhabi and the first international deployment of its Stargate platform. Backed by G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, the site will include 200 MW of compute in 2026. The project marks the launch of OpenAI’s global initiative to help governments build sovereign AI in coordination with the US.

China has asked the Netherlands to ease <a href="/industry/semiconductors">semiconductor</a> export restrictions, Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp said after talks in Beijing. The Netherlands, home to chip tool giant ASML, reaffirmed its stance on national security and independent licensing. Both sides agreed to keep semiconductor trade on the agenda amid broader cooperation talks.

On May 22, <a href="/company/xiaomi">Xiaomi</a> unveiled the Xring O1, a ten-core SoC with 19 billion transistors built on a three-nanometre process. Powering the new 15S Pro and Pad 7 Ultra, the chip reportedly matches Apple’s A18 Pro in performance and surpasses it in select benchmarks. The Xring O1 marks a milestone in Xiaomi’s R&amp;D, backed by RMB 13.5 billion over four years.

At the WNEVC UAE session, Chinese officials called for deeper global collaboration in <a href="/industry/ev">EVs</a> and urged firms to tailor offerings to local markets. They highlighted a 30% rise in Hainan-UAE trade in 2024, driven by a new Yangpu-Abu Dhabi shipping route. China’s leadership in green growth was underscored by its dominant share of the 585 GW in new global renewable capacity.

<a href="/company/shein">Shein</a> warned that French shoppers could face price hikes of up to EUR 12 per order by 2030 if the EU enacts a EUR 2 handling fee on direct e-commerce shipments and France enacts a bill penalizing <a href="/industry/fashion">fast fashion</a>. A Shein spokesperson criticized the proposals, which target low-cost platforms like Shein and <a href="/company/temu">Temu</a>, and called for dialogue with public officials.

Chinese direct investment in Europe rose 47% to EUR 10 billion in 2024, ending a seven-year decline, according to MERICS and Rhodium Group. Greenfield projects drove the rebound, led by <a href="/industry/ev">EV</a> and <a href="/industry/batteries">battery</a> investments in Hungary. <a href="/company/catl">CATL</a>, <a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a>, and <a href="/company/byd">BYD</a> accounted for a large share. Hungary drew 31% of Chinese FDI, outpacing Germany, France, and the UK combined.

How does finance become frictionless? Examine digital banking, payment innovation, and lending platforms redefining financial access.

What streamlines global commerce? Examine digital wallets, cross-border remittances, and instant settlement technologies.

Payments

The fintech firm is betting on global expansion and AI-driven financial infrastructure to anchor its next phase of growth.

Airwallex raises USD 300 million, eyes IPO readiness and AI-led finance

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How do we store tomorrow’s power? Evaluate battery R&amp;D, manufacturing progress, and recycling strategies fueling energy independence.

Batteries

How is power evolving? Review renewable sources, grid innovations, and efficiency measures driving cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

Energy

As China grapples with a surge in retired EV batteries, Eagoal is leaning on predictive tools and clean chemistry to lead the way.

As EV batteries retire, recyclers like Eagoal race to scale and standardize

The tariff rollback shows Washington's constraints and offers exporters reprieve.

US-China trade war truce: 5 things to know

As part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with Nikkei, you can read selected content from Nikkei Asia on KrASIA.

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Airwallex raises USD 300 million, eyes IPO readiness and AI-led finance

As EV batteries retire, recyclers like Eagoal race to scale and standardize

US-China trade war truce: 5 things to know