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Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Nvidia's Jensen Huang turns on the charm in Beijing amid US-China tech rivalry
Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang ditched his iconic black leather jacket for a traditional Tang suit at a trade exhibition in Beijing on July 16. - On a high-profile trip to China, with billions in potential sales to the lucrative Chinese semiconductor market at stake, Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang ditched his iconic black leather jacket for a traditional Tang suit. At the opening of a trade exhibition in Beijing on July 16, the Taiwan-born American spoke a few sentences of halting Mandarin, before adding to laughter: 'I'm going to do the rest of my speech in English now. So I don't torture you for the rest of the day.' Describing AI (artificial intelligence) models from Chinese tech players like DeepSeek, Alibaba and Baidu as 'world-class', he said: 'The heroes of China's super fast innovation are your researchers, developers and entrepreneurs. More than 1.5 million developers in China build on Nvidia today to bring their innovations to life.' Nvidia is at the heart of a global AI boom and last week became the first public company to hit US$4 trillion in stock market value . Mr Huang, who is among the American tech executives who are trying to court Chinese customers while not falling afoul of Washington's national security concerns, has come prepared on his third China visit of the year. On July 15, Nvidia announced that sales of its H20 chip to China would resume , with Washington's nod. The AI chip, a less powerful version of the firm's flagship H100, had been banned in April when Washington tightened export controls to China. But analysts said the move to approve the China-specific chip is merely a reprieve which may not last, with technology at the heart of US-China competition and both countries still in the middle of a 90-day trade truce since May 12. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore Singapore Jail for man who fatally hit his daughter, 2, while driving van without licence Singapore Primary 1 registration: 38 primary schools to conduct ballot in Phase 2A Singapore ComfortDelGro to introduce new taxi cancellation, waiting fee policy Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Singapore Instead of overcomplicating COE system, Govt has ensured affordable transport for all: SM Lee to Jamus Lim Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict The H20's ban was estimated to have cost Nvidia US$10.5 billion across its April and July quarters. The policy reversal came after Mr Huang lobbied US President Donald Trump at the White House last week. On his visit, Mr Huang also unveiled a new graphics processing unit for the China market called the RTX Pro, which he said is 'fully compliant' with US export restrictions and would be designed for smart factories and robot training purposes. 'It takes 200 different technology companies to build one of our AI computers… it is not possible without a sophisticated supply chain,' he told President Ren Hongbin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. 'That's why I'm here - to celebrate the miracle of the (Chinese) supply chain.' The Council, a government-affiliated trade body, is the organiser of the 3rd International Supply Chain Expo held in Beijing from July 16 to 20, which Nvidia took part in for the first time. Mr Huang was among the speakers at the opening ceremony. Even as he received the VIP treatment in China, Nvidia has remained caught in the crosshairs of Washington and Beijing. Mr Huang has argued that continuing to sell to China means that the US is not ceding the Chinese market to domestic players such as Huawei. He has also said that US tech export controls to China have failed, and have only pushed Chinese firms to innovate more quickly. But some, including US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have said that Nvidia and other companies should stop helping China use 'our tools to compete with us'. Associate Professor Marina Zhang of the University of Technology Sydney saw Mr Huang's recent remarks as an effort to position himself - and Nvidia - as both compliant with US policy and indispensable to China's AI eco-system. Prof Zhang, who researches on China and technology issues, did not see the approval of the H20 as a reversal in policy, but more of a calibration. 'It reflects a 'precision sanctions' approach: allowing US firms to serve China's mid-tier AI market - keeping American players commercially viable - while still blocking access to cutting-edge compute essential for training frontier models. 'Washington is walking a tightrope: trying to avoid a full market exit for firms like Nvidia while continuing to constrain China's long-term AI capabilities,' she said, adding that this policy adjustment will not reverse China's determination to develop indigenous technologies, particularly in semiconductors. Dr Sun Chenghao, who researches US foreign policy and US-China relations at Tsinghua University, said the US decision to resume H20 chip sales to China did not represent a fundamental reversal of export controls. Rather, it is a temporary concession driven by commercial pressure and geopolitical calculations. Nvidia suffered significant losses under April's export ban, prompting Mr Huang to lobby intensely for policy adjustments, he said. 'While Washington greenlit the sales, it strictly capped the H20's performance (merely 15 to 30 per cent of the H100's capabilities) to prevent its use in cutting-edge AI training—revealing its unchanged core aim: delaying China's technological advancement.' Dr Sun said Washington could reimpose stricter controls if China's domestic chip substitutes progress faster than expected, or if US political pressures intensify. 'Notably, America has explicitly tied tech export policies to broader trade negotiations, meaning export restrictions will remain a bargaining chip to pressure China if talks stall,' he added. Mr Huang himself saw such geopolitical issues as beyond his control. When asked about the impact of US tariffs in a press conference on July 16, he said Nvidia would simply have to adapt. 'There were trade, taxes and tariffs before I came into Nvidia. There will be trade, tariffs and taxes after I leave Nvidia.'
LeMonde
4 days ago
- LeMonde
In China, Beijing cyclists take to the streets at night
"Every evening on Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, racing bikes and shared bikes glide past the iconic Tiananmen Square under sparkling lights, painting an enchanting picture of the double Olympic city," the official Xinhua News Agency (Chine Nouvelle) enthused in a dispatch on August 7, 2022. On spring and summer evenings, when the heat subsides and cars disappear, thousands of cyclists continue to converge on the avenue that cuts the Chinese capital in two, enjoying the thrill of crossing a symbol of power briefly at rest. Chang'an stretches 45 kilometers long and 100 meters wide, running east to west across Beijing. It skirts the skyscrapers of Guomao, near the Second Ring Road, then heads toward Tiananmen Square, passing between the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace of the Forbidden City, where Mao Zedong's portrait has hung since 1951. The avenue thus crosses the political heart of Beijing, then continues on to the industrial suburbs of Shijingshan. The most dedicated push onward to the Jietai Buddhist Temple, built in the Tang dynasty on Mount Ma'an, 11 kilometers further.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Britain's 'tandemic' isn't just a beauty trend - it's a public health crisis'
Pall Mall Medical GP, Dr Chun Tang, says the UK's "tandemic" is part of a wider health crisis amongst young Brits, for which the concern goes far beyond being a beauty trend gone wrong Promoted on TikTok as a beauty trend loved by thousands, the return of sunbed tanning among young Brits - particularly Gen Z - is a huge cause for concern. Dubbed 'Britain's tandemic' by GP Dr Chun Tang: "We're seeing a generation chasing the perfect tan at any cost." Hooked on the look, the love of deep tans has seen a surge in sunbed vists, particularly in Northern cities, as research shows Newcastle as the leading city for tan addiction with an alarming 2,042 searches per 100,000 residents each month. That's 6,280 searches in June 2025 alone. A close second is Manchester at 1,981 per 100K, with Warrington (1,839), Sheffield (1,657) and Glasgow (1,638) following to make Britain's top five. What's most surprising is London's 593 searches (for every 100K), presenting a clear regional divide. Unfortunately for Brits, Dr Tang warns this latest beauty trend hides major health risks underneath its tanned, glowing skin. Sunbed use causes a range of serious side-effects, from burns to skin cancer - and now doctors are now begging for the end of this looming health crisis disguised as a Gen Z trend. 'A public health crisis in the making' The dangers of the machine-made tan were also highlighted in a Melanoma Focus study, which found 43 percent of young people aged 18 - 25 admitted to using sunbeds and 29 percent confirmed a regular top-up. Glamourised by influencers and content creators in social media trends, the need for bronzed skin for a 'hot girl summer' has both boosted searches and content. Google searches related to sunbeds and tanning have rapidly increased to half a million, with '#sunbed' and '#sunbeds' achieving a combined 159,400 posts on TikTok. As well as more social content, there are more shopping opportunities too, as tan-enhancing products, such as carrot oil and bronzing butters are advertised on TikTok Shop. Dr Tang tells us that the health risks are undeniable, and include: premature ageing, severe burns, and most worryingly, an increased risk of skin cancer. "This isn't just a beauty trend, it's a public health crisis in the making," he says. Debunking the Vitamin D myth According to the NHS, vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. The site notes that the best source for vitamin D, from March through to September, is sunlight. "The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors," the site reads. Vitamin D can also be found in oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring or mackerel, red meat, egg yolks and can be taken via supplements. According to Active Salon, while the levels of UVB you'll get from a sunbed are not quite as high as the sun, sunbed lamps do emit both UVA and UVB radiation. "This means that indoor tanning, whether in a lie-down sunbed or stand-up booth, can help your body to produce vitamin D," the site explains.. However, Dr Tang shuts down the myth of sunbeds being a safe way to top up vitamin D. He says this myth is "dangerously misleading" and urges Brits to avoid sunbeds altogether as there is "no safe level of use". Instead he recommends tan lovers to "embrace self-tan lotions or sprays as safer alternatives; cover up with hats and UV-protective clothing outdoors; and get regular skin checks, especially if you've used sunbeds in the past". For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. 'Use SPF and brush up on the ABCDE rule' The GP advises individuals " use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in winter" and to follow the 'ABCDE rule' when monitoring existing moles/ changes on our skin. "The ABCDE mole rule is a handy way to spot anything suspicious: A is for Asymmetry; B is for Border (look for jagged edges); C is for Colour (multiple or uneven shades); and D is for Diameter (anything bigger than a pencil eraser should get checked out). Finally, E is for Evolution (keep track of any changes in your moles over time)". "In short, if a mole looks weird or is changing, get it seen. We now have innovative assessments like mole mapping that creates a detailed photographic record of your moles, helping detect new or changing ones early. They can be crucial for spotting skin cancer before it becomes serious".
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Aik Cheong aims top coffee spot
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Founded in 1995 in Melaka, Aik Cheong has grown into one of Malaysia's most recognisable heritage beverage brands, now present in over 40 countries worldwide. Kuala Lumpur: Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a strategic platform for Aik Cheong Coffee Roaster Sdn Bhd to strengthen its international presence and showcase Malaysia's homegrown excellence on a world-class platform. Its director, Tang Joo Shen, said the expo offers exposure to over 28 million projected visitors and global media, reinforcing Aik Cheong's position as a brand ready to scale with purpose, not just profit. 'That global ambition does not end in Osaka. Aik Cheong's ambition is clear: to become the largest local coffee brand by 2030, with a significantly expanded footprint in international markets. 'The goal is to build a brand ecosystem that honours where we come from, reflects where the world is heading, and continues to serve what modern consumers truly value,' he said in a statement to Bernama. Founded in 1995 in Melaka, Aik Cheong has grown into one of Malaysia's most recognisable heritage beverage brands, now present in over 40 countries worldwide. Tang emphasised that to bring the vision to life, Aik Cheong is embracing bold, forward-thinking strategies by being open to new tech, cross-branding, and partnerships with startups. 'That is how we stay relevant. It is a mindset that blends legacy with agility—a rare combination in today's fast-moving food and beverage (F&B) space. 'As Aik Cheong brews its next chapter, one thing is certain: this is no longer just a kopitiam brand. It is a case study in how Malaysian heritage can evolve into global relevance,' he said, adding that through the expo and beyond, Aik Cheong isn't just serving coffee, it's serving vision. In addition, Tang said that Expo 2025 Osaka positions the brand not just as a coffee roaster, but as a symbol of how Malaysian brands are redefining themselves for the future. For Aik Cheong, the international expansion is not a numbers game; it's a long-term investment built on deep market understanding, he added. 'We don't rush into new markets. Our approach begins with proper market surveys and finding the right partner, because poor entry can damage the brand. 'In Western countries, demand leans toward fresh brews, but in Asia and the Middle East, instant beverages are still growing. That's where our focus has been over the last five years,' Tang said. The company has made notable strides in diversifying its offerings, from the IT'S series to cold brews and coconut-based creamers aimed at health-conscious consumers. 'Our team has stepped up since COVID. We have invested heavily in research and development (R&D), and we were the first to launch instant caramel macchiato in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. And innovation isn't limited to taste,' he added. Tang noted that Aik Cheong is also leading in product storytelling and creative branding, where it is now trending across Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. 'Thanks to our team's creative push toward fun, minimalist designs and digital-first campaigns. These ideas aren't just used locally; we apply them to international markets too,' he said, adding that this commitment to innovation extends beyond product development, it's deeply embedded in how the company operates and connects with its customers. Tang highlighted that the Aik Cheong e-commerce team plays a pivotal role in product launches, consumer engagement and market analytics—ensuring the brand evolves alongside its customers. 'Behind the scenes, a forward-thinking procurement strategy ensures quality remains uncompromised even as the brand scales. Our supply chain team goes to great lengths—from sourcing to R&D sessions with both local and international suppliers—to improve current offerings and explore new ideas. 'Partnerships remain a core part of Aik Cheong's long-term brand equity strategy, not just for visibility, but for impact. Partnerships like the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 allow us to not only expand our reach but contribute meaningfully through CSR and cultural storytelling,' he said. Tang said that this mindset reflects a brand that isn't chasing virality, but value, building presence through considered alignment with platforms that elevate Malaysia's F&B industry as a whole. 'The World Expo in Osaka marks a major milestone for Aik Cheong. Our goal is to showcase a Malaysian company that is deeply rooted in culture, yet progressive in innovation. 'If we can open doors to new business partnerships, even better, but at its core, this is about representing Malaysia on a world stage,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
ROSE urges EC to prioritise urban areas in Sarawak redelineation exercise
KUCHING (July 12): Civil action group Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) has called on the Election Commission (EC) to prioritise urban and rapidly growing constituencies in Sarawak during its upcoming redelineation exercise, following the recent passage of the Bill to increase the number of state seats. In a statement, ROSE president Geoffrey Tang said the expansion of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) from 82 to 99 seats must be accompanied by urgent action to uphold the democratic principle of One Person, One Vote, One Value. He stressed that the EC is constitutionally mandated to follow the principles set out in Section 2, Part 1 of the 13th Schedule of the Federal Constitution, which requires that the number of electors in each constituency be approximately equal, with limited exceptions for rural areas that face geographical disadvantages. 'The creation of 17 new seats reduces the average number of voters per constituency to 20,381. However, ROSE notes that at least 21 urban and rapidly growing constituencies far exceed this average, including Pantai Damai, Tupong, Samariang, Pending, Batu Lintang, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kitang, Batu Kawah, Mambong, Muara Tuang, Stakan, Tarat, Repok, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Pelawan, Nangka, Tanjong Batu, Pujut, Senadin, and Lambir. 'All voters in these DUN seats exceed 23,000, with Senadin topping the list at 73,430 voters. If delineation is to be carried out, these urban seats must be given priority,' he said. Tang urged the EC to begin a transparent, data-driven redelineation process to correct the current imbalance and ensure fairer voter representation. He also warned that the seat expansion could worsen the existing urban–rural voter disparity if boundaries are not redrawn accordingly. 'Many constituencies in Greater Kuching, Sibu, and Miri now contain more than double the average number of voters, further weakening the political voice of urban populations, particularly young Dayak and Malay voters in fast-growing areas.' He added that the primary role of an elected representative is to craft and debate sound policies in the Dewan for the benefit of the people, and that merely increasing the number of seats without addressing long-standing imbalances in representation risks entrenching unfairness and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. As such, he said ROSE will educate the public on the delineation process, including how to become an objector, how to read proposed maps, and how to mobilize communities to organise in groups of at least 100 voters in any affected constituency. 'This is to monitor the redelineation process to ensure it aligns with democratic and constitutional standards,' he said. election commission redelineation Rise of Social Efforts
