Latest news with #iFlytek
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Malaysia seeks strategic ties with China's Anhui in digital, green tech, palm oil
HUANGSHAN: Malaysia is seeking to forge strategic partnerships with China's Anhui Province in the digital economy, green technology and palm oil sectors under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework to expand future-oriented regional cooperation. Malaysia's former Special Envoy to China, Tan Kok Wai, said the RCEP has created a conducive platform for deeper bilateral engagement, particularly in innovation-led industries such as e-commerce, electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy and digital infrastructure. "Malaysia is ready to collaborate with Anhui's forward-looking enterprises to shape the next chapter of high-quality development," he said at the 2025 RCEP Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum held here today. Digital and clean energy cooperation in focus Highlighting Malaysia's efforts to grow its digital economy, Tan said Malaysia welcomes participation from Anhui's top firms, including Sungrow Power and iFlytek, in projects related to green data centres and smart city development. "Penang and Malacca are currently being developed as pilot smart cities, and Malaysia also aims to position itself as an ASEAN data hub – a move that could benefit from technological collaboration with Chinese innovators," he said. He noted that strengthening interoperability between Malaysia's Touch 'n Go and China's Alipay would also accelerate cross-border digital payment systems, improving trade and tourism flows. On the clean energy front, Tan said Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional EV hub and hopes to work closely with Anhui's automotive powerhouses such as Chery Group, JAC Motors and NIO. "Proposed areas of collaboration include the development of a nationwide EV charging network through public-private partnerships, the establishment of a right-hand-drive vehicle manufacturing base to serve the ASEAN region, as well as investment in advanced battery research and development," he said. Moreover, Tan, who is also the ASEAN Honourable Advisor of United World Chinese Association, expressed that Malaysia is keen to tap into Gotion High-Tech's expertise in battery labs to build a strong ecosystem for green mobility. Boosting palm oil innovation and agri-tech exchange As the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, Tan said Malaysia is looking forward to attracting more Chinese investments in downstream processing and high-end oil product innovation. Malaysia exported RM10.57 billion worth of palm oil and related products to China in 2024, accounting for more than half of its bulk commodity exports to the country. He encouraged companies such as COFCO Anhui to collaborate with Malaysian suppliers to upgrade refining capacity and penetrate high-value segments of the Chinese market. "Likewise, Malaysia also looks to leverage Anhui's agricultural technologies to enhance its tropical fruit processing capabilities, particularly in durians and pineapples, while boosting exports of niche products like bird's nest and coconut milk to meet rising Chinese demand," he said. RCEP as a catalyst for trade and industrial park upgrades On the RCEP, he said the framework, which came into force in Malaysia in March 2022, has significantly reshaped regional trade flows and reduced barriers. Over 67.9 per cent of goods traded between Malaysia and China currently enjoy zero-tariff treatment, not only in traditional agricultural and industrial goods but also in expanding sectors like services and digital trade. Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia hit a record US$212.04 billion in 2024, marking an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase. Tan further noted that a study by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) projects that the RCEP could contribute up to 0.8 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. He also called for greater cultural, tourism and educational exchanges between Malaysia and Anhui, and proposed the launch of a direct flight route between Kuala Lumpur and Hefei to support tourism and ease business travel. Touching on industrial cooperation, Tan emphasised the need to upgrade the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park under the 'Twin Parks 2.0' strategy. "This next phase of development will focus on strengthening cross-border industrial chains in sectors like EVs, bird's nest processing and photovoltaic components," he said. He also highlighted the expansion of Kuantan Port to accommodate vessels of up to 180,000 tonnes, a move that will enhance its position as a strategic node in the China-ASEAN Land-Sea New Corridor. For long-term success, Tan urged companies to localise their workforce, adopt strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, invest in smart manufacturing and actively engage in cross-party dialogue and policy advocacy to manage political and regulatory risks. "As we mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, we are tasked with forging the next Golden Fifty Years," he added.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ramssol to distribute iFlytek's AI solutions under RM16.8mil deal
KUALA LUMPUR: Ramssol Group Bhd has signed a partnership agreement worth RM16.8 million over three years with China-based artificial intelligence firm iFlytek. Ramssol is appointed as the authorised distributor and reseller of iFlytek's AI software solutions via the iFlytek open platform throughout Asia. The platform is recognised for its capabilities in areas such as speech recognition, machine translation and natural language processing, offering AI-driven solutions that support digital transformation across various industries. Ramssol said the partnership represents a key step in its regional expansion strategy, allowing the company to deliver enterprise-grade AI applications customised for multilingual markets. It added that the partnership aligns well with the Asean Responsible AI Roadmap (2025–2030), which outlines regional goals for promoting the responsible and inclusive adoption of AI technologies. Group chief operating officer Brian Liew said the collaboration represents a significant advancement in Ramssol's AITech capabilities and underscores the company's dedication to expanding access to cutting-edge AI solutions across Asia.
TECHx
27-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Huawei, SAMENA Telecommunications Host 5G-A Forum in Dubai
Home » Top stories » Huawei, SAMENA Telecommunications Host 5G-A Forum in Dubai Huawei Middle East & Central Asia and SAMENA Telecommunications Council jointly hosted the 5G-A Leaders' Forum in Dubai. The event brought together industry experts to explore how 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and artificial intelligence (AI) are creating new value for the telecommunications sector. The forum was held under the theme, 'Exploring 5G-A and AI Experience Monetization, Creating New Value.' It featured regulators, technology vendors, telecom operators, and ecosystem partners from across the region. Organizers reported that the event highlighted operators' unique role in using 5G-A and AI to boost growth and efficiency. Huawei revealed that 5G-Advanced networks are now essential for supporting next-generation services. With speeds up to 10 Gbps downlink, 1 Gbps uplink, ultra-low latency, and massive capacity, 5G-A was described as a key enabler of the digital economy. Mr. Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita, Executive Director of Technology Development Affairs at TDRA, delivered the opening speech. He emphasized the UAE's commitment to digital transformation and the critical role of 5G-A and AI in driving innovation. Mr. James Chen, President of Carrier Business at Huawei, stated that cloud computing, 5G-A, and AI are transforming carriers into technology companies, or 'TechCos.' He added that Huawei remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions and supporting local tech talent. The shift from traditional telecom to TechCo models is essential for long-term success. Mr. Alex Xu, President of Carrier Business at Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, explained how intelligent, self-evolving networks are key to 5G-A monetization and service innovation. Huawei announced ongoing collaboration with industry partners to advance 5G-A, standalone (SA) networks, and AI. The aim is to develop a thriving ecosystem and enable operators to build experience-driven, intelligent networks. The forum included a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Mohamed Madkour, Vice President of ICT Strategy & Marketing at Huawei. Panelists discussed the role of AI-Native 5G-A in enabling new business models. Key participants included: Mr. Saleh Al Maimani, Omantel Mr. Danial Mausoof, Nokia Mr. Ali Cheema, Ericsson Mr. David Lee, Huawei Consumer Business Group They shared insights on commercial use cases and how AI and 5G-A support telecom innovation. Mr. Tair Ismailov of GSMA highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and standardization for regional 5G-A rollout. Other representatives from du UAE, China Mobile International, and iFlytek shared perspectives on commercialization strategies. Mr. Abdul Muqeet Mohammed from China Mobile International stated that 5G Advanced and IoT are transforming industries and improving lives. Mr. Nikola Yuan from iFlytek revealed advancements in multilingual AI translation. He reported breakthroughs in Arabic dialect recognition and real-time interpretation using 5G-A networks. The forum also highlighted efforts by SAMENA and the World Broadband Association (WBBA) to support next-generation telecom deployment. Huawei reported that the event is part of its 2025 Year-Round Middle East and Central Asia 5G-A Marketing Campaign. In conclusion, the forum showcased the region's leadership in 5G-A and AI adoption. It also reinforced SAMENA Telecommunications Council's commitment to driving innovation in the digital economy.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Time Business News
Smart Notebook vs. Traditional Notebook: Which One Should You Choose?
With the rapid development of digital office and learning, traditional note-taking tools are undergoing unprecedented changes. With the popularity of smart office equipment, more and more students, professionals, and content creators are turning their attention from paper notebooks to smart devices with Recording Voice device, automatic transcription, cloud synchronization, and other functions. Digital notebook, represented by iFlytek's AiNote Air 2, are redefining the way people record information, manage notes and improve efficiency. This article will explore the differences between the two and help you make the choice that best suits your needs between smart and traditional. What is a digital notebook? It is a multifunctional device that enables users to write, record, save, and organize content digitally. Unlike tablets or smartphones, digital notebooks are usually optimized for writing and note management, often with stylus support and handwriting recognition. Key Features of Digital Notebooks Handwriting to Text Conversion : Devices like the iFLYTEK AiNote Air 2 automatically convert handwritten notes into editable digital text. : Devices like the iFLYTEK AiNote Air 2 automatically convert handwritten notes into editable digital text. Voice Recording and Transcription : One of the standout features of modern digital notebooks is the integration of a recording voice device that can capture lectures or meetings and transcribe them with remarkable accuracy. : One of the standout features of modern digital notebooks is the integration of a that can capture lectures or meetings and transcribe them with remarkable accuracy. Cloud Syncing : Notes can be stored and accessed from multiple devices through cloud services, reducing the risk of data loss. : Notes can be stored and accessed from multiple devices through cloud services, reducing the risk of data loss. Search and Organization Tools : Users can quickly locate specific entries by keywords, tags, or dates. : Users can quickly locate specific entries by keywords, tags, or dates. Multi-language Support: Many digital notebooks now support multilingual input and translation, useful in international settings. Let's break down the comparison across essential dimensions: Feature Digital Notebook Traditional Notebook Portability Lightweight, often similar to a tablet Very lightweight Note Storage Virtually unlimited via cloud Limited to pages Search Function Searchable by keyword, tag, voice Manual page flipping Backup & Sync Automatic sync across devices None Audio Integration Built-in recording voice device and transcription Not supported Cost Higher upfront investment Low cost Power Dependency Requires charging Not required Environmental Impact Reusable with no paper waste Paper consumption involved If your work or study involves handling large volumes of information, recording meetings or lectures, and managing tasks across multiple devices, a digital notebook provides clear advantages. Ideal Use Cases for Digital Notebooks Students Attending Lectures : With voice recording and transcription, students won't miss a word. : With voice recording and transcription, students won't miss a word. Professionals in Meetings : Real-time voice-to-text and searchable notes make it easier to manage follow-ups. : Real-time voice-to-text and searchable notes make it easier to manage follow-ups. Journalists and Researchers : Instant note capture with audio support saves time and ensures accuracy. : Instant note capture with audio support saves time and ensures accuracy. Language Learners: With translation and smart transcription, digital notebooks aid multilingual note-taking. While digital notebooks are innovative, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some users may prefer traditional notebooks for creative expression, sketching, or situations where power access is limited. Ideal Use Cases for Traditional Notebooks Outdoor or Field Work : No need to worry about battery or connectivity. : No need to worry about battery or connectivity. Creative Brainstorming : Freestyle drawing or diagramming is often easier on paper. : Freestyle drawing or diagramming is often easier on paper. Short-Term Projects: Quick notes that don't need to be stored long-term. It ultimately depends on your daily habits and work requirements. If you're someone who manages large volumes of notes, relies on audio input, or needs instant access and organization, a digital notebook is a strong upgrade. The iFLYTEK AiNote Air 2, for example, is equipped with intelligent speech recognition, AI-powered search, and multilingual translation. Its compact design and voice recording capabilities make it an ideal recording voice device for busy professionals and students alike. If you value simplicity, low cost, and tactile creativity, a traditional notebook still holds its charm. The debate between smart and traditional notebooks isn't about replacing one with the other entirely—it's about choosing the right tool for your needs. As digital notebooks like the iFLYTEK AiNote Air 2 become more sophisticated, they are narrowing the gap between paper and digital solutions, offering a seamless blend of the two worlds. Whether you're upgrading your note-taking system or just curious about your options, understanding the strengths of each type will help you choose what suits your workflow best. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
China's Next-Level AI Could Overtake US: New Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Scientists in China are potentially on track to build next-level artificial intelligence that is infused with Chinese Communist Party values and which could propel China ahead of the US in the race for human-like, "artificial general intelligence", a new report says. The testbed is the central city of Wuhan, notorious for being the place from which COVID-19 emerged, possibly from a laboratory, but a city which is also a major center for other scientific and technological research — including AI. Aided by massive state support, two leading AI institutes that are headquartered in Beijing have set up branches in Wuhan to cooperate on sophisticated alternatives to the large generative AI models – LLMs – that occupy nearly all of western AI developers' and policymakers' attention, a team at Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) said in the report published on Monday and made available exclusively in advance to Newsweek. China's multifaceted and innovative approach to AI meant the United States risked being left behind - and it might already be too late, lead author William C. Hannas told Newsweek. "We need to work quickly and smartly. Pouring billions more into data centers isn't enough. Competing approaches are needed," Hannas said. "The two advantages the U.S. has, chips and algorithms, are being eroded by indigenous Chinese workarounds. Worse, the two sides are not playing the same game. U.S. companies are fixated on large statistical models, whereas China covers its bets by funding multiple AGI paths," said Hannas, CSET's lead analyst and formerly the CIA's senior expert for China open-source analysis. AI competition between China and the U.S. is intensifying, with China surprising the world in January by launching DeepSeek, a successful generative AI model in an area where the U.S. was believed to hold an uncontested lead with offerings such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. Chinese company iFlytek's AI smart curriculum platform at the 2025 World Digital Education Conference on May 15, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by Zhang Xiangyi/China News Service/VCG via AP Chinese company iFlytek's AI smart curriculum platform at the 2025 World Digital Education Conference on May 15, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by Zhang Xiangyi/China News Service/VCG via AP Yet Chinese scientists and the state were going further by "embodying" AI into real-world environments, Hannas and two other CSET researchers, Huey-Meei Chang and Daniel H. Chou, wrote in "Focus on Wuhan's AI Development: China's Alternative Springboard to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)". "China's top state-funded AI institutes are exploring alternative approaches to AGI that involve embodying AI algorithms in real environments. Imbued with the Chinese Communist Party's pre-defined values, the AI interacts with its natural surroundings, learning as it proceeds," they wrote. A key component of China's pathway is the integration of neuroscience approaches. "The Wuhan implementation is seen by its state-backed entities as a stepping stone to deployment throughout China, raising questions about the type of technosociety with which the United States needs to compete," the researchers wrote. The broad scientific consensus is that whoever first develops successful models of artificial general intelligence would have massive repercussions on global power. "While focusing on AI safety and the dangers of weaponization, we should also keep in mind the real possibility of being out-competed by a country that moves more quickly and decisively to realize the promises that AI offers," Hannas, Chang and Chou wrote. Newsweek contacted the institutes and leading Chinese AI scientists for comment, including the Tsinghua University AI Institute for International Governance which addresses ethical issues surrounding AI, but did not hear back. The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond to a request for comment. Testbed Wuhan The joint effort in Wuhan is led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Automation (CASIA), Peking University's PKU-Wuhan Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the technology giant Huawei. It aims to "infuse" Wuhan's industrial and commercial enterprises with AI and to deploy a "social simulator" that expands AI's reach into all aspects of daily life, the report said. Other institutes are part of an interlocking research landscape that aims for "an interpretable, trustworthy, and evolvable multimodal AI infrastructure platform for open and complex environments," or "a new generation of AI infrastructure", according to the Yangtze Daily. The U.S. and China were both dedicating vast resources to achieving AGI, said Valentin Weber of the German Council on Foreign Relations Center for Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Technology. "The US's relative strength lies in AI chips and computing centers. But China has rolled out AI in most of its cities for urban governance purposes, while also pursuing the development of LLMs like the US. China is taking multiple pathways toward AGI. It is arguably farther in deploying AI in the real world. This increases its chances to reach AGI first," Weber said. Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, speaks during the Baidu Create 2025 AI Developer Conference on April 25, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by Ding Yi/VCG via AP Robin Li, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, speaks during the Baidu Create 2025 AI Developer Conference on April 25, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Photo by Ding Yi/VCG via AP Why Wuhan? Wuhan is a research and transportation hub in China, with dozens of interlocking institutes, three national development zones, four technology parks, and 2,000 research and high-tech enterprises supported by multiple networks of computing centers and grids whose total capacity is projected to reach 30 exaflops this year, creating China's highest municipal concentration of compute power, the report says, citing Chinese state media such as the Yangtze Daily. While it is difficult to draw direct comparisons, one of the fastest supercomputers in the U.S. – El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California – has a capacity of 1.7 exaflops, or 1.742 quintillion calculations per second, according to the laboratory. Wuhan's AI Computing Center in the foreground (red trim) and its Supercomputing Center to its right (glass). Photo by Peng Nian, Yangtze Daily, October 25, 2023. Wuhan's AI Computing Center in the foreground (red trim) and its Supercomputing Center to its right (glass). Photo by Peng Nian, Yangtze Daily, October 25, 2023. In a striking development, in May, a consortium of Chinese companies launched the first 12 satellites of a planned space-based supercomputing platform for AI, Star Compute, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Signs of Wuhan's ambition abound. Earlier this year the municipal government announced plans to boost the city's AI industry in 2025 by targeting five key areas: "AI plus robots, AI plus automobiles, AI plus PC and server, AI plus mobile phones, and AI plus eyeglasses," it said in a notice published on Mar. 12. "Social Governance" The goal is a "value-driven" form of AGI set to become "the operating model of a coexisting smart society" and a tool for social governance, the authors cite the AI scientist Wu Zhiqiang, the co-manager with Zhu Songchun of the PKU-Wuhan AI institute, as saying. Said Weber: "Social governance is a euphemism for social control. Achieving social control is a central theme of China's AGI pursuit. The closer China gets to reaching AGI, the higher are its chances of preserving regime security." "China has a track record of achieving supremacy in technological areas that its leadership deems worth pursuing," Weber said, pointing to batteries, electric vehicles, and facial recognition. Both Wu and Zhu were recipients of numerous U.S. Government grants from defense-oriented agencies during their long tenures in the United States. Newsweek has previously reported on more than $30 million in federal grants awarded to Zhu. "Given today's global collaboration network, China doesn't need to be at the cutting edge to score big wins, although now it often is. Diffusion and application matter more, where China has a commanding lead," Hannas said. The U.S. was paying "scant attention" to China's high-tech research and development. "China has incredible insight into U.S. AI research, whereas we know just enough about theirs to know what we don't know."
