Latest news with #Wuxi
New York Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
China's Biotech Is Cheaper and Faster
Just outside of Shanghai, in the city of Wuxi, China is building its future of medicine — a booming biotechnology hub of factories and laboratories where global pharmaceutical companies can develop and manufacture drugs faster and cheaper than anywhere else. Amid the Trump administration's tariffs on China, I figured manufacturing hubs like this one would be wracked with anxiety. But when I visited Wuxi in April, government officials insisted that its research hub was flourishing. They were proud to tell me about their superstar labs and companies that are continuing to thrive. The fact that Chinese biotechnology stocks have surged over 60 percent since January seems to bolster this claim. The city's researchers certainly seemed positioned to be busy for decades. In its quest to dethrone American dominance in biotech, China isn't necessarily trying to beat America at its own game. While the U.S. biotech industry is known for incubating cutting-edge treatments and cures, China's approach to innovation is mostly focused on speeding up manufacturing and slashing costs. The idea isn't to advance, say, breakthroughs in the gene-editing technology CRISPR; it's to make the country's research, development, testing and production of drugs and medical products hyperefficient and cheaper. As a result, China's biotech sector can deliver drugs and other medical products to customers at much cheaper prices, including inexpensive generics. These may not be world-changing cures, but they are treatments that millions of people around the world rely on every day. And as China's reach expands, the world will soon have to reckon with a new leader in biotech and decide how it wants to respond. One such company that embodies the Chinese approach to biotech is Wuxi AppTec. It's a one-stop shop for pharmaceutical research and development, streamlining everything from early-stage drug discovery to young scientist recruitment and medication production. The company, whose clients have included Chinese firms like Innovent and Jiangsu Hengrui, as well as American and European drugmakers like Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, was involved in, by one estimate, a quarter of the drugs used in the United States, including blockbuster cancer drugs. Though the Chinese government bargains hard with both foreign and domestic pharmaceutical companies to provide products at the right price in exchange for market access, the low prices that Chinese consumers pay are ultimately the result of Chinese biotech companies' ability to test and manufacture drugs at a pace far faster than their American counterparts. So far, American biotech giants don't seem to mind the competition, since their own use of companies like Wuxi AppTec allows them to dedicate more of their money to breakthrough research. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Scotsman
11-08-2025
- Scotsman
Why an 'AI judge' should always remain in the realms of science fiction
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I had a conversation with a former colleague who spoke passionately about how artificial intelligence has transformed his life. Living with dyslexia and navigating the endless stream of written reports in his professional world was a daily struggle for years. Now with AI at his fingertips, that burden has lifted. His stress has eased, his wellbeing improved, and he feels more in control. For him, AI has been a great leveller. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I've always been an early adopter – fascinated by AI's potential, especially in medicine. I enjoy listening to those working closely with these technologies describe their applications and possibilities. Earlier this year, a version of AI passed the Turing Test, meaning it could convincingly mimic human conversation. It doesn't mean the machine is sentient, but it does raise questions about where we're headed. Police patrol with a humanoid robot and a robot dog during a football match between Wuxi and Huai'an in China | AFP via Getty Images AI's lack of depth Yet, there's something about the polished perfection of AI-generated content that leaves me cold. Emails, CVs, and job applications are beginning to feel too perfect, too uniform. I find myself appreciating the misspelling, imperfect grammar or random capitals – signs a real person crafted the message. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A friend, a brilliant writer, reminded me that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. With AI, the appearance of expertise can be achieved in seconds. But it's a veneer, often not backed by depth. The World Economic Forum's 2025 report on the future of jobs, shaped by AI, climate change, and economic shifts, included a sobering statistic: 59 per cent of the global workforce will need reskilling or upskilling by 2030. While new roles will emerge (as always) – the pace of change is dizzying. The real challenge lies in how we, as humans, keep up. And what becomes of those who can't? In the justice sector, AI is already making its mark. It's being used to transcribe interviews, support justice social work, and streamline some court processes. These efficiencies are welcome. The accuracy of these tools is remarkable, but human oversight is still required. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A deeply human endeavour When AI is used to aid decision-making or support policing, the implications become more complex. I watched a series of promotional videos showcasing AI in justice. They were slick, persuasive, and full of promise: faster decisions, smarter systems, predictive policing. The message was clear: we can all 'be better'. But AI is only as good as the data it's trained on. In justice, that data comes from decades of reports, research, and systems, many of which reflect historical biases, systemic flaws and human rights abuses. Justice is a deeply human endeavour. It affects lives in profound ways. How someone speaks in court, their body language, the emotion behind their words – these are things we instinctively read and interpret as humans. Machines can't replicate that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No algorithm can comprehend trauma, ethical nuance or the potential for rehabilitation in those entering the justice system. The idea of an AI judge belongs, I hope, firmly in the realm of science fiction. Human judgment must remain at the heart of justice. I know the genie is out of the bottle. Tech entrepreneurs are reshaping the world at breakneck speed. But I believe no dataset, no matter how vast, can capture the full complexity of human life – its courage, vulnerability, and capacity for love.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kongsberg Automotive announces cost reduction plan
Kongsberg Automotive (KA) has announced an overhead cost reduction plan that is anticipated to yield annual savings of €15m ($17.67m). The plan, revealed during the first quarter (Q1) presentation in May 2025, aims to enhance KA's financial performance and is in addition to a cost adjustment programme that was announced previously. Around 150 positions will be impacted by this cost reduction initiative. The cost reduction measures are set to be largely completed within the year, although some aspects will continue into Q3 2026. Concurrently, KA is adjusting its direct labour levels in response to a softening market, especially in the European and North American truck segments. This market downturn is largely attributed to US tariffs and broader geopolitical tensions. As a result, market forecasts for the latter half of this year have been revised downwards, falling short of KA's initial expectations. The company plans to closely monitor the situation and will provide further updates in its Q2 presentation on 12 August 2025. Last month, KA appointed Thomas Danbolt as the executive vice president of the Flow Control Systems business area, effective no later than 1 October 2025. Danbolt will operate from KA's facility in Raufoss, Norway. KA secured a new four-year contract in May for its Dog Clutch Actuator, which is tailored for gear-shifting and decoupling in multi-speed transmissions across various vehicle applications. This product will be manufactured at KA's Wuxi facility and supplied to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the electric commercial vehicle segment. The company's product portfolio includes driver and motion control systems, industrial driver interface products, and fluid assemblies. "Kongsberg Automotive announces cost reduction plan" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Goal! China's grassroots football scores economic wonder
Players of Yangzhou team greet supporters after winning the 3rd round match between Changzhou team and Yangzhou team at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province on May 31, 2025. – Xinhua photo NANJING (June 22): While many fans eagerly count down to the next FIFA World Cup, football fever has already surged through eastern China. Stadiums pulse with human waves, bars are packed, and social media is ablaze – all in celebration of an amateur football league known as the 'Su Super League'. Named with tongue-in-cheek flair after the English Premier League and the Chinese Super League, the electrifying grassroots phenomenon has become an internet sensation, eclipsing even the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in domestic popularity. Comprising 13 teams, each representing a city in Jiangsu Province, the Jiangsu Football City League has captured the hearts of millions. Last weekend alone, five derbies in the league's fourth round drew an average of more than 25,000 spectators per match, surpassing the average attendance of China's top-tier league this year. The screen shows the number of spectators during the match between Wuxi team and Changzhou team in the 'Su Super League' on June 15, 2025. – Xinhua photo But beyond the numbers lies something more profound. The euphoria on display is producing more than goals and glory – it is forging vibrant connections between sport, cities and communities, casting a powerful arc across China's sports economy and hinting at its untapped potential. Frenzy and fun On the evening of June 15, a basement battle between home team Wuxi and neighboring Changzhou drew 25,655 fans, their cheers rising in thunderous unison. The local derby aired on 24 online platforms, racking up more than 20 million live viewers. 'The crowd's energy rises with every round,' said internet influencer 'Daodao Fu', who joined the electric Wuxi stands, capturing the growing spectacle for his fans on short video platforms. According to leading services provider Meituan, search volume for the league spiked more than 16 times over the previous week. As of June 13, cumulative online views of the tournament had surpassed 5 billion. 'This league showcases an exemplary atmosphere. It's a model for connecting football more closely with ordinary people. I believe it will have a positive impact on the future of Chinese football,' added the influencer. Despite China's struggles on the international football stage, passion for the sport runs deep in cities and communities across the country. Unlike its professional counterparts, the 'Su Super League' draws players from all walks of life – high schoolers, couriers, IT workers and more. Adding to its appeal is a vibrant cultural identity. Teams are nicknamed after the specialties of their cities – Wuxi is symbolised by honey peaches, while the provincial capital Nanjing by its famed salted duck. Tourists watch 'Su Super League' match in an ancient town scenic area in Wuxi on June 15, 2025. – Xinhua photo 'It's all in good fun,' said Wang Lin, a football fan in Wuxi. 'These grassroots slogans and traditions help us rediscover our local identities. More and more casual fans are turning into passionate supporters.' The phenomenon now extends beyond the pitch. In Nanjing, aerial drones lit up the night sky during a home match. In Yangzhou, jets soared overhead trailing plumes of colored smoke. Bars, plazas and even cinemas have seen surging crowds for public viewings – scenes typically reserved for the World Cup. Outside Wuxi's stadium, a barbecue restaurant has welcomed fans without tickets, who pack in to watch broadcasts while savoring grilled skewers. After Wuxi's 2-0 win last Sunday, visiting Changzhou fans, still licking their wounds, arrived in droves. 'I decided on the spot to give all Changzhou fans a 30 per cent discount, just to lift their spirits,' said restaurant owner Wu Kai. 'This is what the grassroots league stands for: fierce rivals on the field, friends off it.' Scoring big Launched with just six sponsors, the 'Su Super League' now counts 20 – including industry giants like and Yili Dairy. Sponsorship bids have reportedly reached 3 million yuan (around US$414,000), with advertising slots in short supply. 'Commercial growth is welcome, but public participation must remain the core,' said Zhang Qing, a sports marketing expert. 'The grassroots football league should stay pure, broad-reaching, and inclusive.' The league has become a carnival of local pride and sporting delight, where laughter, banter and hometown loyalty intermingle in the stands and online. That fervor has fueled a boom in local tourism and cultural consumption. 'I want to soak in the atmosphere firsthand, and make a weekend getaway of it,' said Xu Qinghuai, a Changzhou fan, noting that weekend scheduling makes it easier to travel between cities. Government figures underscore the league's economic impact. From June 13-15, Wuxi's tourism and cultural spending via UnionPay hit 581 million yuan, up 21 per cent from the previous weekend. Nighttime cultural spending alone jumped 31 per cent on match day. 'Even when the team loses, the city wins it all,' a viral social media comment read, capturing the spirit of the grassroots phenomenon. Wuxi holds local food fair to welcome home game against Changzhou team in 'Su Super League', attracting a large number of tourists. – Xinhua photo Changzhou, still searching for its first win, has found unexpected fame through its dinosaur mascot and a flood of social media memes. 'We're working overtime to produce dinosaur-themed football plush toys,' said Lu Qidi, an executive at Changzhou's dinosaur park. 'The first batch of 20,000 will hit the market soon.' During the league's third round, which coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, six host cities saw intercity tourism and cultural spending rise 14.63 per cent via UnionPay. Jiangsu welcomed 12.41 million visitors and recorded 4.69 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Cities across the province are embracing the surge in fan interest, rolling out perks to draw even more. Wuxi offers buy-one-get-one-free honey peach sales, free shopping mall parking, and 40 per cent off taxi rides. Yangzhou opens state-run attractions for free on home-match weekends, with bundled discounts on hotels, restaurants and performances. Fans of Nanjing team pose at a direct high-speed train route exclusively for away-game fans on June 14, 2025. – Xinhua photo Nanjing has even launched a direct high-speed train route exclusively for away-game fans, offering round-trip service to rival city Huai'an, with second-class fare discounts. 'The ticket-based perks are weaving together sports, culture and commerce,' said Si Zengchuo, a professor at Jiangsu Normal University. 'Integrating matches with local travel and shopping creates a one-stop experience that keeps visitors staying longer and shopping more.' A pro-consumption action plan released in March calls for expanding cultural, sports and tourism consumption, and supporting local authorities in hosting distinctive, high-quality sports events. Meituan is riding the wave, issuing 20 million yuan in consumer subsidies for fans and tourists in Suzhou. Retailers, sports brands and even indoor ski resorts have joined the campaign, offering themed discounts to attract sports-hungry crowds. According to China's 14th Five-Year Plan for sports development, total sports-related consumer spending is expected to exceed 2.8 trillion yuan by 2025. At a recent provincial economic briefing, Jiangsu Governor Xu Kunlin urged officials to 'fully leverage city football leagues to drive deep integration of culture, tourism, sports and commerce, and promote a consumption-driven economy.' 'Sporting events now drive not only massive crowds, but also targeted tourism consumption,' said Wu Guoping, chairman of a cultural tourism development company in Wuxi. 'This is spurring cities to innovate and upgrade their tourism offerings.' 'The 'Su Super League' has planted sports culture at the grassroots, and proven that the value of sports events extends far beyond the matches,' Wu added. 'Its success shows that local characteristics and sports must be tightly blended, giving sports events a broader stage and greater mission.' – Xinhua China FIFA World Cup football Xinhua
Independent Singapore
11-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Jetstar Asia to shut down after two decades, citing soaring costs and stiff competition
SINGAPORE: Singapore's skies will soon be a little quieter. After more than 20 years of flying budget-conscious travellers across Asia, Jetstar Asia—Singapore's homegrown arm of Australia's Qantas Group—will cease operations on July 31. The move comes amid what the airline describes as 'really high cost increases' and an inability to compete with regional low-cost carriers in an increasingly crowded market. A final descent The closure, announced by Qantas on June 11, is set to impact more than 500 employees and 16 regional routes, including links to Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and emerging tourist hotspots like Wuxi and Labuan Bajo. Jetstar Asia's fleet of 13 Airbus A320s will be progressively redirected to Australia and New Zealand as part of Qantas' broader fleet renewal programme. Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline's cost base had 'materially changed,' with some supplier costs surging by as much as 200 per cent. 'We are currently undertaking the most ambitious fleet renewal programme in our history,' she added, noting that nearly 200 new aircraft are on order. See also Govt says RTS Link fares will be determined by operator Jetstar Asia is expected to post a loss of A$35 million this financial year, adding pressure to Qantas' strategic priorities. Rising costs, rising competition Jetstar Asia's struggles didn't happen overnight. For months, it had been battling headwinds on multiple fronts: escalating airport charges, costly ground handling, rising fuel prices, and stiff competition from Southeast Asia's budget heavyweights like AirAsia and BatikAir. CEO of Jetstar Group, Stephanie Tully, told reporters the airline's Singapore base had become increasingly unsustainable. 'Double-digit cost increases in fuel, airport fees, ground handling and security have significantly undermined our ability to remain competitive,' she said. Compounding the pressure was Jetstar Asia's move to Changi Terminal 4 in March 2023—a shift the airline initially resisted. Tully admitted the relocation 'had an impact' on the business, noting that Terminal 4 is not linked to the others via MRT, making transfers more cumbersome. What happens next? Jetstar Asia has reported that it will continue flying for the next seven weeks. Passengers with tickets on cancelled flights will be offered full refunds, and efforts are underway to reroute affected travellers. Those holding Jetstar vouchers will be contacted in August for monetary reimbursement. See also We screwed up in Japan, says Tony Fernandes Qantas has said six of Jetstar Asia's planes will be used to replace leased aircraft in Australia, while four will take over ageing aircraft currently serving mining routes. Two more will be deployed to Jetstar in Australia and one to New Zealand, potentially opening new routes and creating over 100 local jobs. International operations of Jetstar Airways (Australia) and Jetstar Japan remain unaffected. What does it mean for Singapore Changi Airport may feel the turbulence. Jetstar Asia accounted for 3 per cent of Changi's traffic last year, serving key Southeast Asian cities as well as lesser-flown destinations. According to an aviation editor, Jetstar Asia's exit could leave some of these destinations without any direct links to Singapore, inevitably affecting the airport's ambition to grow its international city pairings. While airlines like Scoot—armed with a growing fleet of smaller Embraer jets—could potentially fill the gaps, the loss is nonetheless significant. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) acknowledged the closure but reaffirmed Changi's resilience. It noted that in 2024 alone, the airport added 11 new city links and welcomed eight new airlines, including four low-cost carriers. Still, the impact on the broader landscape is undeniable. Smaller foreign airlines operating out of Changi face the same structural challenges—rising costs, less-than-ideal operating slots, and increased competition from national carriers and well-backed players. End of an era Jetstar Asia's closure marks the end of a uniquely Singaporean chapter in regional aviation. Born out of Qantas' vision to capture Asia's booming budget travel market, the airline played a pivotal role in democratizing air travel across the region. Now, it becomes a case study in the volatility of the low-cost carrier model—especially in high-cost, tightly regulated hubs like Singapore. As Jetstar Asia prepares for its final descent, one thing is clear: the economics of budget air travel in Southeast Asia are shifting, and even long-standing players aren't immune to the turbulence.
