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At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Rictor, an international brand incubated by Kuickwheel, unveiled two new products: a flying motorbike and an electric kart boat.
Rictor’s flying bike, the Skyrider X1, is an amphibious passenger vehicle equipped with a four-axis, eight-propeller design. Constructed with carbon fiber composite and aviation-grade aluminum, it combines high performance with durability. The vehicle can reach a maximum flight speed of 100 kilometers per hour and offers a flight time of up to 40 minutes, supported by a 50-kilowatt onboard DC charging station.
A standout feature of the Skyrider X1 is its automatic route planning capability. It can autonomously determine the optimal flight path based on set destinations, adjusting altitude, speed, and direction in real time to account for weather and environmental changes, ensuring a safe and efficient flying experience.
Additionally, the Skyrider X1 is equipped with automatic takeoff and landing functions, significantly reducing operational risks. Pilots simply need to input their destination, and the vehicle will autonomously execute takeoff and landing processes. For those preferring manual control, joystick operation is also supported.
In terms of safety, the Skyrider X1 features a triple-redundancy flight control system, ensuring that even in the event of a single engine failure, the vehicle remains airworthy. Complementary safety measures include a battery management system for enhanced battery protection and an integrated emergency parachute.
Kuickwheel believes that the Skyrider X1 holds distinct advantages in lightness, flexibility, and pricing compared to existing low-altitude flying products in the market.
<figure id="attachment_151580" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151580" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-151580" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025-1024x576.jpg" alt="Photo shows Rictor’s booth at CES 2025." width="640" height="360" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025-300x169.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025-768x432.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025-480x270.jpg 480w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kuickwheel-Rictor-CES-2025.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151580" class="wp-caption-text">Photo shows Rictor’s booth at CES 2025. Photo courtesy of Rictor.</figcaption></figure>
The electric kart boat marks Rictor’s venture into water-based mobility. Designed with a solid expanded polypropylene (EPP) frame reinforced by a metal structure, the boat is both lightweight and durable, capable of supporting up to 150 kilograms. Powered by a robust 15,000-watt motor, it delivers a runtime of up to 70 minutes and achieves a top speed of 45 km/h.
Kuickwheel has consistently focused on developing and innovating products for intelligent short-distance mobility. Its core offerings, which include electric scooters, bicycles, and motorcycles, are available in over 80 countries and regions worldwide through both consumer and shared-economy channels.
In recent years, advancements in technology and growing demand for diversified mobility solutions have propelled electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology in significance. The low-altitude economy has also gained policy support over the past two years, with the Chinese government identifying it as a “new growth engine” for the first time last year.
According to a 2024 report by the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID), the global low-altitude economy is forecast to surpass RMB 1 trillion (USD 140 billion), reaching RMB 1.06 trillion (USD 148.4 billion) by 2026.
The launch of the flying bike and electric kart boat signifies an important step for Kuickwheel as it leverages its accumulated technological expertise to expand into air, land, and water mobility. It also aligns with the Chinese market’s growing interest in the low-altitude economy.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3114235538837251">article</a> was written by Leslie Zhang for 36Kr.

Flying high and cruising fast: Kuickwheel’s Rictor dazzles CES with futuristic vehicles

Transportation

Mobility

China

… WeChat Channels have capitalized on this preference, as evidenced by the viral popularity of science-related videos shared in family chat groups.
Although Xiaohongshu has dabbled in appealing to older users through initiatives like its “Laohongshu” project focused on antique appraisal, it remains cautious. As one insider explained, any senior-focused content must align with the platform’s refined community ethos. Observations show that senior users with modest followings but high engagement rates typically post detailed text and image-based stories.
As Xiaohongshu’s promotional campaign rolls on, its retention strategy will likely evolve beyond previous methods like massive cash giveaways during Lunar New Year galas. Every user acquired must ultimately contribute to the platform’s monetization goals, making sustainable engagement more critical than ever.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3112621168905987">article</a> was written by Zhong Yixuan for 36Kr.

Xiaohongshu campaigns offline with free eggs to hatch new user growth

Northeast Asia

Xiaohongshu

Creative

Content

… 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: Endowus adds USD 17.5 million in round extension, Employment Hero acquires Humi, recent China deals, and more

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Singapore

Vietnam

Indonesia

Southeast Asia

… global outreach.
One notable experience came during the pandemic in 2022 when I managed an urgent project in Indonesia. Arriving with nothing but a suitcase, I coordinated local engineers, managers, and workers to ensure the project met the client’s tight deadlines. The delivery of this project earned our firm a rare commendation from a major client in Indonesia.
For young professionals eyeing overseas roles, mindset is everything. While the title of “country manager” may sound prestigious, the reality often involves starting from scratch. In early-stage ventures, the manager is usually responsible for building teams, creating distribution channels, developing client relationships, and ensuring project execution—all with minimal support.
In established operations, the challenge shifts to reducing costs and improving efficiency in culturally distinct, high-cost environments. Success lies in integrating management practices with local norms, fostering mutual understanding and effective collaboration.
In the new year, while growth remains achievable, sustainable operations are becoming the true test of overseas ventures. Young talent will need to balance immediate performance demands with long-term strategies, driving innovation in cost management and cultural integration.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3101066283601671">article</a> was written by Ren Qian for 36Kr.

At the frontline: The untold stories of country managers bringing Chinese firms overseas

… 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

… 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

… 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.
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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