Semiconductor Leap: China Looks to Next-Gen ‘2D Chip’ with 1,000-Fold Growth Speed
Chinese researchers have unveiled a wafer‑scale growth technique for two‑dimensional (2D) semiconductors that accelerates crystal formation by a factor of 1,000 compared with existing processes. The method promises to move 2D materials from laboratory samples to mass‑manufactured chips, enabling faster, cheaper production of optoelectronic components such as LEDs, photodetectors and lasers. By delivering a scalable pathway for post‑Moore devices, the breakthrough could narrow China’s technology gap in advanced chips. Analysts see the development as a potential catalyst for a new generation of high‑performance, low‑power electronics.
Minister Warns Malaysia Will Enter ‘Critical Period’ for Fuel Supply by June
Malaysia’s Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah warned that June‑July 2026 will be a critical period for fuel supplies as the Middle‑East conflict fuels a global energy shortage. The government is probing alternative raw materials and fast‑tracking certification to keep industries, especially...
In Indonesia, Horror Film Posters Trigger Child Suicide Fears
Indonesia’s horror film "Aku Harus Mati" faced a swift backlash after its graphic posters—showing a blue demon and the tagline "I Must Die"—were displayed nationwide. Child‑protection groups and officials, citing a declared "child suicide emergency" with 115 cases since 2023,...
Chinese Firm Slammed for Using Ex-Employee’s Data to Create ‘AI Human’ to Continue Working
A Shandong‑based game firm turned a former HR specialist into an AI‑powered digital avatar that now answers queries, schedules meetings and drafts documents after the employee resigned. The avatar was built using the worker’s own data with his consent, and...
In Philippines, LPG Price Shock Reaches Bottom of Beloved Beef Stew Bowls
The Philippines’ reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has turned costly after the Middle‑East war, with an 11 kg tank soaring from 870 pesos (≈$14.5) to 1,600 pesos (≈$26.7), an 84% jump. Street‑food vendors like Eric Garcia now charge 65 pesos (≈$1.08) per...
Hyundai Spearheads Foreign EV Comeback Push in China with Ioniq Brand
Hyundai Motor announced the launch of a China‑specific Ioniq brand, built on local technologies and partnerships, to revive its foreign‑marque presence in the world’s largest EV market. The company reported a 15% sales rebound in 2025, moving 154,000 units after...
Hong Kong Proposes Mandatory Renovation Briefings to Combat Bid-Rigging
Hong Kong’s government is moving to amend the Building Management Ordinance after the deadly Tai Po fire, mandating owners attend a briefing on major renovation projects before voting on procurement resolutions. The proposal caps proxy holdings to one owner in small...
Tighter Civil Service Disciplinary Rules Risk Becoming Excessive: Union Head
Hong Kong’s Civil Service Bureau plans to tighten disciplinary rules and revise the Public Service (Administration) Order and Disciplinary Regulation to better penalise underperforming senior officials. The bureau disclosed 151 dismissals for serious misconduct or criminal offences between 2022 and...
How the Gulf Conflict Recast Risks for Asian Investors in Dubai
The six‑week Iran‑UAE conflict has exposed financial and operational vulnerabilities for Asian digital entrepreneurs using Dubai as a launchpad. Drone and missile attacks disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, spiking oil to about $100 a barrel and tightening freight liquidity, while...
‘Cancelling Orders’ in China: How Hormuz Oil Crisis Is Hitting Transport, Manufacturing
The reopening and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven Brent crude to $100‑$105 a barrel, inflating fuel and petroleum‑based raw material costs for Chinese manufacturers. Higher freight rates—up to four times normal—are prompting firms to delay or...
Discovery Bay Developer Submits Proposal for Full Taxi Access Despite Backlash
Hong Kong Resort Company, the developer of the Discovery Bay enclave on Lantau Island, has submitted a proposal to lift existing restrictions and allow unrestricted taxi service, adding four new taxi ranks. The plan argues that limited taxi access hampers...
UAE Pulls US$3.5 Billion From Pakistan After Iran War Mediation
The United Arab Emirates has demanded the repayment of a US$3.5 billion deposit held by Pakistan's central bank, signaling a sharp diplomatic rift after Islamabad helped broker a cease‑fire in the Iran war. The demand comes just days after Pakistan’s mediation...
Chinese Business ‘Hired Lobbying Firm with Ties to Donald Trump Jnr’, for Washington Win
A Chinese firm, Grand Pharmaceutical Group, hired the Washington lobbying firm Checkmate—run by a close associate of Donald Trump Jr.—to intervene with a U.S. national‑security review. Public filings show Checkmate’s lobbying helped the company overcome a block that could have...
Hong Kong Developers Roll Out 1,300 Homes as Prices Edge up on Firmer Demand
Hong Kong developers are set to launch roughly 1,300 residential units in the next weeks, with several projects nudging prices upward as buyer sentiment improves. Sino Land’s La Mirabelle I will release 261 units at HK$15,335‑19,613 per sq ft (≈$1,960‑$2,510), a 1% increase...
US Judge Orders Pentagon to Restore Press Access to Credentialled Reporters
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman ordered the Pentagon to immediately restore credentials for credentialed reporters after the defense department introduced an interim policy that appeared to sidestep his earlier injunction. The judge described the Pentagon’s actions as a blatant attempt...
Will Trump’s Iran War ‘Loyalty Test’ Spell the End of Nato?
President Donald Trump has intensified criticism of NATO, branding the alliance a “loyalty test” after the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran. NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte defended the bloc, saying allies are meeting U.S. requests but some are lagging on logistics. Chinese...
Middle East Crisis Is Pushing China to Deepen Latin America Ties
Amid the Iran‑Israel conflict, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted China's vulnerability to concentrated energy supplies. Beijing is turning to Latin America for food, copper, lithium and other strategic commodities to diversify its import base. The United States'...
Netanyahu Corruption Trial to Resume on Sunday After Israel Eases War Restrictions
Israel's Jerusalem District Court announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial will resume on Sunday after emergency wartime restrictions were lifted. The hearing will feature testimony from a defence witness. Netanyahu faces three pending cases – a media‑favor scheme,...
Brazil on Track to Fill China Beef Export Quota by May as Prices Hit All-Time High
Brazil is on track to exhaust its 1.106 million‑tonne beef export quota to China by early May as cattle prices hit a record R$365 (≈US$71.6) per arroba. March saw a historic 233,950 tonnes of fresh beef shipped, generating roughly R$7 billion (≈US$1.37 billion) in...
Xi Jinping Backs Services Sector to Power China’s Next Growth Phase
President Xi Jinping announced a renewed emphasis on China’s services sector, urging a demand‑driven, technology‑focused growth model. The strategy aims to rebalance the economy away from export‑led manufacturing toward higher‑value services such as finance, health, and digital platforms. Officials highlighted...
Who Is Asim Munir and Why Are Trump and Iran Praising Him?
Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, has moved from domestic security operations to a visible role in international diplomacy. After meeting U.S. President Donald Trump during a 2025 state visit, Munir was praised by both Trump and Iranian officials for...
China’s Zhipu AI Open-Sources Flagship Model, Raises Prices to Narrow Gap with US Rivals
Chinese AI firm Zhipu AI open‑sourced its flagship GLM‑5.1 model while raising API prices by 10%, marking a shift toward monetising advanced capabilities. The price hike brings its per‑token rates closer to U.S. rivals, though a sizable gap remains versus...
Ray Dalio Says US-China Ties Are Critical as World Enters Dangerous New Era
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned that the United States‑China relationship is the single most critical factor for global stability as the world enters a "dangerous new era." He highlighted the escalating war on Iran and its ripple effects on the...
Can Philippines Become Critical Minerals Powerhouse with Help From US, Japan?
The United States and Japan are partnering with the Philippines to develop its vast critical‑minerals deposits and cut reliance on China. A CNAS report highlights the Philippines’ fourth‑largest copper and fifth‑largest nickel reserves, plus roughly $1 trillion in untapped gold, zinc...
As War Premiums Hit Groceries, China Deals Give Africa Room to Breathe
The recent disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed Brent crude above $100 per barrel, inflating diesel, fertilizer and food costs in vulnerable African economies. At the same time, China announced zero‑tariff access for imports from 53 African countries,...
Fragile Ceasefire Lifts Markets as Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Iran Arms Suppliers
A tentative ceasefire between Iran and Israel sparked a brief rally in global equity markets, easing investor anxiety. At the same time, President Donald Trump announced a potential 50% tariff on any country that supplies weapons to Iran, reigniting trade...
Iran War: Russia and China Veto UN Resolution to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after the draft was watered down to avoid their opposition. The vote was 11‑2, with Pakistan and Colombia abstaining, following President Trump’s threat to...
Hong Kong Doctor Axed for Posting Resuscitation Photo Faces Medical Council Case
Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority terminated Dr. Jensen So’s contract after he posted an Instagram story showing a resuscitation procedure in a public ward. The authority said the doctor breached the professional code of conduct, lacked integrity and compromised patient privacy. The...
US and Iran Near Brink of Escalation as Trump Deadline for Deal Looms
President Donald Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum for Iran to accept a peace deal, warning that a whole civilization could be wiped out if Tehran failed to comply. The United States escalated rhetoric and continued targeting Iranian military sites, including...
‘Paper Tiger’: What’s Behind Donald Trump’s Renewed Greenland Threat?
President Donald Trump has resurrected his 2019 proposal to claim Greenland, timing the threat to coincide with a looming U.S. military engagement against Iran. Analysts warn that the move would deepen existing fissures with European allies, who are expected to...
Festival Cancelled After UK Government Bans Kanye West From Country
The UK Home Office withdrew Kanye West’s electronic travel authorization, effectively banning him from entering the country and headlining the Wireless Festival in July. The ban prompted festival organisers to cancel the three‑day event and issue refunds to ticket holders....
Chinese Memory Giants to Gain Market Share via Lower Prices, Expanded Capacity: Analysts
Chinese memory chipmakers YMTC and CXMT are leveraging a 15% price advantage and new production lines to capture market share amid an AI‑driven super‑cycle. YMTC plans to start mass‑producing advanced NAND in Wuhan by late 2026, positioning itself as the...
France’s Ex-President Sarkozy Challenges Conviction over Alleged Libya Funding
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy maintained his innocence at a Paris appeal hearing, insisting no Libyan funds financed his 2007 campaign. He is challenging a September conviction for criminal conspiracy that linked his campaign to alleged payments from Muammar Gaddafi’s regime....
Iran ‘Does Not Forget Its Friends’ as Malaysia Ships Pass Hormuz Amid Selective Access
Iran allowed Malaysia‑linked tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s direct appeal to President Masoud Pezeshkian, freeing seven vessels that had been stranded. The decision signals Tehran’s shift toward a selective‑access model, where passage is...
China Starts Work on Solar Plant Built Under Extreme Conditions, Amid Global Energy Crisis
China has begun construction on a 50‑megawatt concentrated solar power (CSP) plant on the Tibetan Plateau, setting a record as the world’s highest‑altitude parabolic‑trough facility at 4,550 metres. The project, part of a broader push to diversify China’s energy mix,...
Donald Trump Heightens Iran Threats, Warning ‘a Whole Civilisation Will Die Tonight’
U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric toward Iran, warning that an entire civilization could perish if Tehran does not comply with U.S. demands. The threat comes as both sides remain entrenched, with a deep trust deficit and no mutually...
Singapore Set to Be Hit by Global Energy Crisis as It Unveils Countermeasures
The Middle East conflict is driving an Asia‑wide energy crunch that will hit Singapore’s economy, though the city‑state is better positioned than many neighbours. In parliament, ministers announced a S$200 boost to the cost‑of‑living cash payment and accelerated S$500 food...
Beyond Russian Oil, China Also Increases Appetite for Ukrainian Wheat Flour
China’s ambassador to Ukraine signed a protocol establishing inspection, quarantine and sanitary standards for Ukrainian wheat‑flour imports, expanding China’s agricultural trade with Kyiv. The agreement highlights the complementary nature of the two economies and signals a shift from raw‑grain shipments...
France High-Speed Rail Slams Into Truck, Killing Train Driver
A French TGV traveling from Dunkirk to Paris collided with a truck carrying military equipment at a level crossing in Bully‑les‑Mines, killing the 56‑year‑old train driver. The train was moving at about 160 km/h and continued for several hundred metres before...
What Is the US Telling Pacific Allies by Moving Missiles to Use in the Iran War?
The Pentagon is transferring nearly all of its JASSM‑ER long‑range cruise missiles from bases in the Pacific to the Middle East to support operations against Iran. Analysts interpret the redeployment as evidence of limited missile inventories and a prioritization of...
Trump Steps up Iran Threats as Deadline Approaches
President Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric toward Iran as a critical deadline looms on the nuclear agreement’s compliance schedule. In recent remarks, he warned Tehran of “serious consequences” if it fails to meet the stipulated benchmarks. The administration has simultaneously...
For Gulf States, Geography Is Both a Generous and Treacherous Patron
The article argues that the Gulf’s strategic location, which once turned deserts into petro‑states and global aviation hubs, is now a double‑edged sword as Iran’s strikes and the Strait of Hormuz blockage threaten energy exports and critical infrastructure. UAE and...
Failed Bus Cuts ‘Tip of Iceberg’ as Fuel Costs Soar, Hong Kong Lawmakers Warn
Hong Kong lawmakers warned that ABC Touring Car Company's abrupt service cuts in Tuen Mun signal a broader crisis as fuel prices have surged since the US‑Israel strike on Iran. The Transport Department has yet to receive a formal fare‑adjustment...
Iran Calls for ‘Human Chains’ Around Its Power Plants Before US Deadline
President Donald Trump set an 8 pm EDT deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to bomb the country’s power plants and bridges if the demand is not met. Iran responded by urging 14 million citizens to volunteer and...
Filipino Farmers Leave Crops to Rot as Fuel Prices Drive up Cost of Harvest
Filipino vegetable growers in Benguet are leaving fields unharvested as soaring fuel prices—driven by the Middle‑East conflict—push labour, transport and packing costs above market prices. The surge in oil costs, combined with weak buyer demand, forces farmers like Romeo Wagayan...
Wang Fuk Court Briefing to Give Residents Answers Before Decisions Are Made: Minister
Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Secretary Alice Mak announced a pre‑meeting briefing for residents of Wang Fuk Court, the Tai Po estate devastated by a November fire that killed 168 people. The briefing, organized by interim manager Hop On Management, will address refund of the...
Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis to Get Separate Fencing Hall, Pool Complex
Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis megaproject will host a world‑class fencing hall and a stand‑alone swimming‑pool complex, both built to international specifications. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department revised the plan to separate the pool from the fencing venue, aiming for...
Hong Kong Property Launch Sees Brisk Sales as Buyers Unfazed by Trump’s Iran Warning
Hong Kong’s La Mirabelle I launch saw 152 of 168 units sold by early evening, bringing the project’s total to 522 units sold in under three weeks and generating more than HK$4.6 billion in revenue. The second‑round sale added HK$1.1 billion (US$140 million) in revenue...
Car Record for Mega Bridge’s Hong Kong Checkpoint as F&B Sector Feels Holiday Pain
Hong Kong saw a massive travel surge over the Easter break, with 2.12 million residents making outbound trips and the Hong Kong‑Zhuhai‑Macau Bridge checkpoint handling a record 27,411 car movements in a single day. While hotels enjoyed near‑full occupancy and higher room...
Taxi Driver Arrested for Demanding HK$85 ‘Highway Toll’ From Undercover Officers
Hong Kong police arrested a 31‑year‑old taxi driver after he demanded an HK$85 "highway toll" from officers posing as passengers on a Lantau Island route. The driver was charged with overcharging, failing to display his licence plate, driving in a...