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Chinese medtech firm Wandong Medical and Brazil’s VMI Group have signed a JV agreement to build a joint R&amp;D and manufacturing center for advanced …

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Chinese medtech firm Wandong Medical and Brazil’s VMI Group have signed a JV agreement to build a joint R&amp;D and manufacturing center for advanced diagnostic equipment. Officials say the move will boost Brazil’s medtech capacity and deepen bilateral healthcare cooperation.

Thailand’s Muu has raised new backing from A2D Ventures and Japanese partners to scale its precision fermentation tech for animal-free dairy. The startup reportedly produces milk proteins without cows, using 90% fewer resources, and aims to supply sustainable, lactose-free ingredients to Asia’s dairy alternatives market.

Zhipu AI is leveraging the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand globally, pitching sovereign AI agents to governments and setting up innovation centers in Asia. The firm, planning an IPO in October, faces rising competition as <a href="/company/openai">OpenAI</a> eyes its own international data center footprint.

Chinese exporters are seeing a surge in demand on <a href="/company/alibaba">Alibaba’s</a> international platform after the US cut tariffs on certain goods to 30%, with some US buyers already stocking up for Christmas. Alibaba launched a flash sale to support sellers, as analysts predict a sharp export uptick during the 90-day tariff reprieve.

Pony.ai, which raised USD 413 million in a US IPO, is now planning a Hong Kong listing to fuel further expansion. The company operates 250 robotaxis and is developing mass production models with Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. Revenue hit USD 75 million in 2024, but it remains unprofitable.

The US has reduced de minimis tariffs on Chinese D2C shipments to 30%, down from 145%, under a 90-day tariff truce. The move offers relief to e-commerce players like <a href="/company/shein">Shein</a> and <a href="/company/temu">Temu</a>, though many goods remain subject to higher duties from earlier trade actions. It follows the February end of de minimis exemptions, citing concerns over surging Chinese shipments and illicit goods like fentanyl.

Singapore-based HR tech startup BrioHR has raised SGD 8.7 million in a Series A funding round led by Openspace Ventures, with participation from Taiwania Hive Ventures and other regional investors. The funding will support AI integration and regional expansion, as BrioHR aims to transform how businesses manage HR practices across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

<a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia</a> will deliver more than 18,000 GB300 chips to Saudi Arabia’s Humain in the first phase of a data center project with 500 MW in planned capacity. Announced during a US-led visit, the partnership includes joint efforts in AI upskilling and training to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Washington has warned companies worldwide that using <a href="/company/huawei">Huawei’s</a> Ascend chips could violate export controls, citing US technology in their production. The move adds pressure as Huawei chips challenge <a href="/company/nvidia">Nvidia’s</a> dominance in China.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a> posted RMB 180 billion in Q1 2025 revenue, up 13% YoY, with net profit attributable to shareholders rising 14% to RMB 47.8 billion. Non-IFRS profit climbed 22% to RMB 61.3 billion. Growth was driven by strong gaming, music, and WeChat (Weixin) advertising, while Tencent expanded investment in AI, including tools for avatars, content creation, and the Yuanbao app.

<a href="/company/tencent">Tencent</a> has reorganized its WeChat business group, launching a new e-commerce product department focused on in-app transactions. This marks a split from the open platform department, which will now oversee WeChat accounts and mini programs. Zeng Ming will lead the new e-commerce unit, reporting to WeChat chief Allen Zhang, as part of broader leadership changes.

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Bookings sink as US importers halt orders, raising fears of empty store shelves.

Trump's China tariffs spark shipping disruptions comparable to Covid-19

Trump&#8217;s China tariffs spark shipping disruptions comparable to Covid-19

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From learning tools to ad engines, teams prototyped AI applications aimed at solving practical challenges across industries.

AI in action: Inside the innovations from Alibaba Cloud’s Singapore hackathon

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With a localized strategy and China-tested tech, Yup is expanding credit access across emerging markets in the region.

Can Yup become Southeast Asia’s answer to Nubank?

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China’s Wandong strikes Brazil medtech JV deal

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