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36Kr (EN)

Consumer

Robotics

Fintech

… unnecessary or even cumbersome. Ropet’s design as a companion robot emphasizes emotional feedback through expressions and subtle micro-movements rather than functional tasks like path planning, obstacle avoidance, or object manipulation.
“It doesn’t need to move around or talk much. It just quietly stays on your desk, looking at you. When either you or it feels down, you can hug it or touch it. Its primary purpose is to accompany its owner,” He said.
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The team believes now is an opportune moment to enter the companion robot market, particularly from the perspective of women’s emotional needs. On one hand, advancements in large models and embodied intelligence enable hardware to perceive and learn user emotions more effectively, providing precise responses and feedback. On the other hand, China’s robust hardware supply chain offers the potential to lower the costs of companion robots and facilitate broader market adoption.
Ropet plans to iterate its software based on hardware-driven insights, further exploring user needs and expanding product functionality. In late January, Ropet will showcase its innovations at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany as it seeks to expand into the European market.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3112652190092804">article</a> was written by Ye Danxuan for 36Kr.

Meet Ropet: The AI-powered pet stealing the show at CES 2025

Artificial Intelligence

Deep Tech

China

… unsustainable practices can be harmful to the company.
We hope to build a more certain future for 01.AI, giving us greater confidence in achieving our goals.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3112477146287624">article</a> was written by Zhou Xinyu for 36Kr.

Kai-Fu Lee sets the record straight on 01.AI’s pivot

East Asia

01.AI

Malaysia is rushing to foster engineering talent to meet the country's ambition to become a major player in the global semiconductor industry.
Long a manufacturing hub in Asia, Malaysia is now expanding its chip sector, especially into frontend processes such as integrated circuit design. But businesses have continued to feel the pinch of a talent shortage, with students showing less interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and a growing disconnect between academic training and industry needs, experts say.
"Recruiting engineers for specific projects is easier elsewhere. For example, in India, we can contract engineers for projects quickly. In Malaysia, it's much harder to find the right talent," Kalai Selvan Subramaniam, managing director of Infinecs, a leading electronics design services company in Penang, told Nikkei Asia.
"To grow, Malaysia must either meet global competency levels or bring in the best talent from around the world," he added.
Malaysia's electrical and electronics sector employs about 600,000 workers, according to the country's Statistics Department and the Khazanah Research Institute. In a 2022 survey of local businesses by the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, 47% of respondents said the availability of talent is a limiting factor to doing business in Malaysia.
Recognizing the issue, and with <a title="" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Spotlight/Malaysia-aims-for-chip-comeback-as-Intel-Infineon-and-more-pile-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more technology investment flowing in</a> due to global supply chain shifts, the Malaysian government has <a title="" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/Malaysia-to-train-60-000-engineers-in-bid-to-become-chip-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed a plan to train 60,000 high-skilled engineers</a> by 2030. The government also seeks to double STEM enrollment, encourage female participation in STEM fields, and enhance technical and vocational training.
Leading the talent development drive is Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST), an industry-led initiative launched in 2012 to foster collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and private companies.
The project supports local startups through incubator and accelerator programs, offering young entrepreneurs resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. CREST has also engaged with industries to develop new products in areas like LED and solid-state lightning, making Malaysia a key global manufacturing base.
"When we say collaborative R&amp;D, we mean applied research. Traditional universities often focus on primary research without consulting industries, which is problematic because much of the R&amp;D budget goes toward research, with little to show for it," CREST's CEO Jaffri Ibrahim told Nikkei Asia. He believes CREST's initiatives have built an ecosystem that encourages local innovation and integrates startups into the global value chain.
In line with national efforts, <a title="" href="https://kr-asia.com/malaysias-investment-sweet-spot-penang-to-open-new-tech-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the state of Penang in northern Malaysia</a> implemented a STEM talent blueprint in September 2024. The initiative introduces STEM concepts early, engaging primary through secondary school students with hands-on programs designed to spark interest in science and technology. By addressing the talent pipeline early, Penang hopes to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for its semiconductor industry.
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David Lacey, a prominent figure in Penang's LED industry, emphasized the importance of aligning R&amp;D infrastructure with industry needs.
"While Malaysian companies have a strong position in packaging, they need to adopt new technologies, source equipment locally and understand processes for advanced packaging. R&amp;D must also be conducted locally, with universities and research institutes supporting the transition to advanced packaging," Lacey told Nikkei Asia.
Meanwhile, Shahidan Abdullah, director of MIMOS Academy, a training organization under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, said rapid technological advances have left educational institutions struggling to keep up with changing industry needs.
"There is a need for constantly reviewed curricula in universities and greater industry collaboration to bridge skill gaps," he said.
According to the World Bank, an increasing number of Malaysian degree holders are employed in fields unrelated to their qualifications. The bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor report found that over a quarter of graduates face hurdles in securing high-skilled employment, reflecting the struggles of educational institutions to keep pace with technological change. This has resulted in a shortage of specialized talent crucial for Malaysia's growing semiconductor sector.
Malaysia's goal of having 60% of students enrolled in STEM fields remains unmet, with the share consistently below 50% since 2000.
The broader national decline in STEM interest stems from perceptions of these fields as overly challenging and offering less competitive starting salaries. The rise of the gig economy exacerbates the problem, drawing young talent toward lucrative short-term opportunities rather than long-term STEM careers.
This article first appeared on <a tabindex="0" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/Malaysia-pushes-talent-development-to-boost-chip-sector" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="1">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing <a tabindex="0" href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="3">partnership with Nikkei</a>.

Malaysia pushes talent development to boost chip sector

Semiconductors

Malaysia

Southeast Asia

… warned that the widespread adoption of large models has pushed software applications toward market saturation. “There’s little room left for innovation on the software side,” an industry expert said.
In early 2024, capital markets were laser-focused on foundational AI models and software applications. But as dominant players consolidated their control, Chinese startups found it increasingly difficult to establish competitive advantages in this domain.
The hardware sector, however, offers a more promising landscape. “China’s supply chain is exceptionally strong, with unparalleled cost control and extensive experience in market exploration,” the expert said.
Still, even with these advantages, the future of companion robots remains unclear. Public data shows that since its launch in 2019, fewer than 20,000 units of the Lovot pet robot have been sold globally. Financial reports from Groove X, Lovot’s developer, reveal a net loss of JPY 2.7 billion (USD 17.1 million) in fiscal year 2023, with cumulative losses climbing to JPY 8.5 billion (USD 54 million). Much of Lovot’s financial woes are attributed to its steep price point.
Ropet and Robopoet, two companies planning upcoming launches, appear to have learned from Lovot’s struggles. Ropet’s Kickstarter price is set at USD 199, with a retail price of USD 299. Meanwhile, Robopoet’s Sun said that his products will not compete in Lovot’s price bracket. Both companies are also targeting a younger, predominantly female demographic—a shift informed by consumer insights.
The B2C business model is often described as asset-light, with vast untapped potential. Multiple industry insiders told 36Kr that current embodied intelligence applications remain heavily concentrated in B2B scenarios. These markets are notorious for high expectations, protracted decision-making cycles, and significant customer acquisition costs. Moreover, the delivery costs for B2B robotics solutions are substantial. “Many B2B robotics companies struggle with profitability because they can’t lower delivery costs,” said an investor specializing in the robotics market.
Both investors and industry leaders agree that by late 2024, the investment market will shift toward B2C applications that leverage China’s robust hardware manufacturing capabilities. Hardware innovation is once again becoming a focal point for capital markets.
That said, the Chinese market for companion robots is still largely speculative. “Lovot still relies on legacy AI technology and hasn’t integrated advanced large models,” said Sun during an interview.
Lovot’s financial challenges may reflect a deeper issue—demand for these products might be weaker than anticipated. Although potential buyers express interest, the emotional value these products aim to deliver is inherently subtle and difficult to quantify. The industry awaits a breakthrough product that can gauge the true appetite of the consumer market, making 2025 a critical year for B2C companion robots.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3109536773606915">article</a> was written by Ye Danxuan for 36Kr.

Is 2025 the year of the companion robot?

… often hinged on products and orders, leaving little room for fostering brand connections or offering value-added services. However, in the e-commerce era, digital tools, platforms, and technologies have unlocked new pathways for globalization, enabling businesses to tap into online traffic channels and build systematized operations.
Over the next three to five years, the growing demand for diversified globalization is expected to reshape how businesses localize and integrate into international markets. Momentum Works’ <a href="https://momentum.asia/product/ecommerce-in-southeast-asia-2024/">2024 report</a> revealed that the combined gross merchandise value (GMV) of Southeast Asia’s eight leading e-commerce platforms reached USD 114.6 billion in 2023, a 15% year-on-year increase. TikTok Shop led this growth, with its nearly fourfold surge in GMV solidifying its dominance.
TikTok Shop’s growth can be attributed to two primary factors. First, it pioneered live commerce, redefining how brands engage with consumers. Second, its unmatched ability to capitalize on content and traffic capabilities has set it apart from competitors. While other platforms are still building their live streaming ecosystems, TikTok’s ability to align personalized content with user preferences and convert traffic into transactions remains unparalleled.
TikTok Shop has demonstrated a long-term commitment to live commerce by cultivating local consumer habits and leveraging the expertise of Chinese brands that excel in live streaming. These brands have dominated their respective niches in Southeast Asia, creating a blueprint for success.
For example, Turandot, a lingerie brand, joined TikTok Shop’s Southeast Asia operations in August 2023. Through platform promotions, live stream integrations, and influencer collaborations, Turandot quickly gained prominence, achieving USD 200,000 in GMV in a single day. Similarly, Vanwalk found live commerce to be a game changer; the brand’s monthly GMV on TikTok Shop is now three to four times higher than on other platforms.
TikTok Shop’s influence was further cemented during the Double 12 sale, when its cross-border GMV in Southeast Asia nearly doubled compared to Singles’ Day, setting a single-day sales record for the platform. The event highlighted TikTok Shop’s ability to synchronize short video promotions, influencer engagement, live stream traffic, and multichannel collaboration to drive consumer conversions.
whereRelatedArticle
TikTok Shop’s platform maturity and strong ecosystem provide users with multiple opportunities to engage with brands, enhancing their interactions with local consumers. This approach helps bridge the gap between global brands and local audiences, influencing how consumers interact with businesses.
Clearly, live commerce has become a key driver of TikTok Shop’s global growth. As demand for targeted, high-quality traffic continues to increase, the platform’s ability to deliver measurable results highlights its budding importance in the cross-border e-commerce landscape.
For brands, the goal is no longer just to showcase products but also to build genuine connections with consumers. TikTok Shop’s combination of live streaming and short videos can help businesses to achieve this by fostering direct and interactive engagement.
And while the sustainability of live commerce in international markets remains uncertain, TikTok Shop’s ongoing investment in this model positions it as a key player. Its approach to globalization provides a practical pathway for businesses to expand and succeed in new markets.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3096909292867077">article</a> was written by Xiao Xi for 36Kr.

Live commerce is Southeast Asia’s next chapter, and TikTok Shop is leading the way

TikTok

TikTok Shop

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Consumer Economy

Singapore

Thailand

Vietnam

Indonesia

Philippines

… src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="480" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Weimai-Office.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151553" class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtesy of Weimai.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Other deals recently completed in China:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Alebund Pharmaceuticals, a Shanghai-incubated biopharmaceutical company, has snagged RMB 550 million (USD 77 million) in a Series C funding round. The investment was led by an undisclosed healthcare fund, Yangzhou Guojin Investment Group, and Kingray Capital. Alebund plans to utilize the capital to advance its pipeline for renal diseases and support commercial expansion efforts in China.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.wonz.com/en">Wonz</a>, a digital health enterprise focused on smoking harm reduction and nicotine addiction therapies, has secured an undisclosed amount in a new financing round from Zhejiang Yuhuan Guotou. It aims to build automated production facilities and marketing centers in the city of Yuhuan. Prior backers include Neeo Fund and XVC, who collectively invested over RMB 100 million (USD 14 million) in previous rounds. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3112463402667781">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.teemoauto.top/">Teemo Technology</a>, a technology provider specializing in autonomous line control solutions, raised nearly RMB 100 million in a pre-Series A round led by Puhua Capital, with follow-on investments from Blue Lake Capital and Zelos. The proceeds will be directed toward R&amp;D of line control components and the mass production of unmanned vehicle chassis, a segment that saw significant growth in deliveries in 2024. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3110816873451271">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.3ram.com.cn/">3R Additive</a>, an additive manufacturing startup, has raised an eight-figure RMB sum in seed funding. Xiaofanzhuo Ventures led the investment, with Jiayou Fund also participating. The funds will enhance the company’s production of cost-effective titanium alloy powders for applications in 3D printing and other industries. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3111011711421961">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.aiforcetech.com/">AIForceTech</a>, an agricultural robotics company spun out of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has completed a RMB 100 million Series B1 funding round led by the Xiamen Advanced Manufacturing Fund and followed by Vertex Ventures China. The company will allocate the funds toward the production and promotion of its smart agricultural robots. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3111022964576002">36Kr</a></li>
</ul>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Soul Parking, Digital Edge, ZVC, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://soulparking.co.id/">Soul Parking</a>, a parking technology company in Indonesia, closed a Series A extension round co-led by AC Ventures and AppWorks, with additional support from Taiwan Mobile, Uspace, and Wavemaker Ventures.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Digital Edge, a Singapore-based leader in hyperscale and interconnection data centers, raised over USD 1.6 billion in equity and debt financing to fuel its expansion across Asia. Backed by alternative investment firm Stonepeak, the company has now established operations in six countries, including Japan, South Korea, India, and Indonesia, with plans to expand further.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Z Venture Capital (ZVC), a subsidiary of LY Corporation based in Tokyo, established a new fund, ZVC Fund II, with a total size of JPY 30 billion (USD 190.2 million).</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
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Deals in brief: Xnergy and HiFeed secure funding, Anthropic nears completion of USD 2 billion round, China’s Weimai raises Series D funding, and more

Anthropic

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Saudi Arabia

Middle East

… knowledge through social networks</h3>
Adopting a scholarly approach may not create viral sensations overnight, but fostering public interest in science and lifelong learning through interactive formats has the potential to leave a profound and lasting social impact.
Zhang’s physics class exemplifies this shift. A search for physics topics on Chinese social media or search engines increasingly yields detailed derivations and in-depth discussions— a stark contrast to the superficial, astrology-like content that once dominated these platforms.
During the latter half of his latest lecture, Zhang dedicated nearly an hour to deriving the origins of chemical bonds across five blackboards. He explained how the world is no longer conceptualized in terms of earth, wood, fire, metal, and water, but rather through the lens of elements, molecules, proteins, DNA, and even the intricate structure of the human brain— all phenomena rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics.
By sparking curiosity and championing logical deduction, Zhang nurtures analytical thinking and effective study habits in his audience. The benefits of his teaching extend far beyond academics, enhancing professional productivity and promoting rational, well-informed decision-making.
Eschewing trend predictions and motivational cliches, Zhang’s focus remained practical and empowering. He aimed to equip his viewers with reasoning tools and habits they could apply throughout 2025. During his latest lecture, Zhang offered a New Year wish that reflected his ethos: “Stay active, eat healthily, remain fit, and strive for progress and achievements in 2025.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3110629862067970">article</a> was written by 36Kr Caijing.

Sohu’s Charles Zhang rings in 2025 with quantum mechanics and a lesson in lifelong learning

Northeast Asia

Sohu

Creative

ByteDance has entered the international short drama scene with the launch of Melolo, a free-to-watch app tailored for global audiences. Released in November 2024, Melolo marks ByteDance’s first short drama platform outside China, modeled after the successful domestic app Hongguo Short Drama. It is managed by Poligon, ByteDance’s Singapore-based subsidiary, which also oversees other international-facing apps under the company’s umbrella.
This launch comes at a time when short and mini dramas have become a dominant entertainment format in China, with platforms like Kuaishou and Douyin leading the market. ByteDance appears to be leveraging lessons from its Chinese operations as it explores overseas expansion, even forming dedicated teams in Beijing and Shanghai to drive this initiative.
Melolo’s arrival coincides with reports from <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/tiktok-considers-quibi-style-minidramas-to-broaden-appeal">The Information</a> suggesting that TikTok, ByteDance’s flagship app, is exploring the integration of mini drama formats. This potential alignment underscores a broader shift in content consumption trends, where bite-sized storytelling resonates with younger viewers. Industry analysts speculate that Melolo could act as a testing ground for incorporating these dramas into TikTok’s ecosystem.
<figure id="attachment_151550" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151550" style="width: 720px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-151550" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="480" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Melolo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151550" class="wp-caption-text">Image source: Poligon.</figcaption></figure>
In China, Kuaishou currently leads the short drama market, producing 60% of the top 50 micro dramas in 2023, according to consultancy Endata, as cited by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/low-brow-vulgar-micro-dramas-shake-up-chinas-film-industry-aim-hollywood-2024-09-21/">Reuters</a>. ByteDance’s Douyin holds a strong second position.
Other Chinese companies are also vying for a slice of the global market. For example, China Literature’s Crazy Maple Studio operates the ReelShort platform, which reported USD 63.43 million in net revenue in Q3 2024—a 52% quarter-on-quarter increase and 327% year-on-year growth, according to Sensor Tower data. Sereal+, a newer app from Crazy Maple Studio, also saw success, generating USD 13.45 million in revenue from 2.21 million downloads during the same period.
Beyond short dramas, ByteDance has diversified its international offerings under Poligon. These include the story writing platform Fizzo and its spinoffs, as well as MyTopia Books, a reading app. Directly managed apps include <a href="https://kr-asia.com/bytedances-lemon8-borrows-from-xiaohongshu-but-can-it-keep-users-hooked">Lemon8</a>, a community platform, and artificial intelligence-driven tools like the Doubao chatbot and <a href="https://kr-asia.com/as-chatbots-fall-short-bytedance-bets-on-dreamina-as-the-tiktok-of-the-ai-era">Dreamina</a> design generator. Meanwhile, CapCut, ByteDance’s video editing tool, continues to thrive globally.
The launch of Melolo reflects ByteDance’s strategy to lessen its reliance on TikTok and Douyin—apps that brought global recognition but also <a href="https://kr-asia.com/tiktoks-ticking-clock-the-apps-fate-in-the-us-hangs-in-the-balance">regulatory scrutiny</a>. By drawing on its technological expertise and operational know-how, ByteDance is poised to tap into the growing demand for mobile-first entertainment in global markets.

ByteDance takes short dramas global with Melolo launch

Entertainment

Short Video

Video

Content

… potential developments:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">As third-party engines gain influence, competition is likely to intensify. Developers, often swayed by pricing structures, could become the focal point of this rivalry. Controversies like Unity’s recent pricing disputes may serve as a preview of future clashes, with developers pressing providers for fair and transparent terms.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The dominance of current graphic engine companies may be challenged by fresh contenders. Game content creators and tech giants with no prior foothold in the space are already eyeing the market. Google, for instance, has unveiled its GameGen technology, capable of generating high-quality visuals in real time. Similarly, Giant Network’s YingGame signals a nascent shift toward integrating artificial intelligence into game engine technology.</li>
</ol>
Unreal Engine’s pursuit of photorealistic visuals is just one approach among countless possibilities. When this aesthetic is mass produced and widely adopted, player fatigue can often follow.
In contrast, the appeal of boutique, workshop-style games remains strong. This sentiment might explain why Astro Bot won TGA’s top award in 2024, reminding us that diversity in game styles is as vital as innovation in technology.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3094159391733893">article</a> was written by Xue Dexing for 36Kr.

Game studios turn to Unreal Engine 5 as proprietary tools fall from favor

Gaming