Articles[tech] (Page 6)

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What blockchain is, how it works and how China will lead the world

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-17 12:00)

China has rapidly advanced its blockchain development following a 2019 endorsement from President Xi Jinping, launching a national "Blockchain Service Network" to unify projects. The technology is being implemented across both public and private sectors for uses like remittances and cross-border settlements.

China views blockchain as a future-critical technology, comparable to 5G and AI, which has raised competitive concerns in the United States. The article explains that blockchain is a secure, permanent digital ledger of transactions, famously underlying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The main topics covered are China's national blockchain strategy and infrastructure, its practical applications, its geopolitical significance as a competitive technology, and a basic explanation of what blockchain technology is.

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TSMC gears up for mass production of 3-nanometre chips for high-end computers and 5G phones

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-18 12:00)

TSMC is preparing for mass production of its advanced 3-nanometer chip production process, scheduled for 2022. Major clients like Apple, Qualcomm, and Nvidia will be among the first to use this technology for high-performance computers and 5G phones.

The new process significantly increases transistor density, which improves device performance and power efficiency. TSMC also confirmed it is developing an even more advanced 2-nanometer process for a future rollout.

The main topics covered are TSMC's new chip manufacturing technology, its key clients, and the performance benefits of the advanced processes.

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Hong Kong could spearhead China’s financial integration with world, digital yuan use: government officials

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-19 11:00)

Hong Kong officials propose the city can lead in integrating China's financial system with the world and in promoting the digital yuan. This role is seen as particularly crucial during the ongoing U.S.-China technology and trade war, leveraging Hong Kong's established infrastructure.

The city's financial markets have shown resilience, aided by their function in channeling fund flows into and out of mainland China. However, any new financial connections must prioritize and not compromise China's national financial stability and strategic goals.

The main topics covered are Hong Kong's potential financial role, the digital yuan, U.S.-China tensions, and the condition of maintaining China's financial stability.

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China boosts semiconductor production in 2020, but imports keep apace, frustrating self-sufficiency goals

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-19 13:00)

China's production of integrated circuits, industrial robots, and new energy vehicles saw strong double-digit growth in 2020, according to official statistics. This surge in domestic output occurred amid tighter US restrictions and a national push for technological self-sufficiency.

Despite the increased production, imports of critical components like semiconductors grew at a similar pace. This parallel rise indicates China remains significantly distant from achieving its goal of self-sufficiency in key technologies like semiconductors.

The sectors showing high growth are aligned with critical national objectives outlined in China's latest five-year plan, emphasizing industrial automation, new energy vehicles, and advanced semiconductors.

The main topics covered are China's semiconductor production, technological self-sufficiency goals, and the growth of high-tech industrial sectors.

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China EV battery race: Tesla’s rivals join NIO in efforts to achieve 1,000km driving range on single charge target

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-20 12:00)

Chinese EV makers, including NIO and Zhiji Motor, are racing to develop batteries enabling a 1,000km driving range on a single charge. A key technology in this effort is the solid-state battery, promoted as safer and more efficient than current lithium-ion batteries.

Industry analysts highlight that achieving this range target would significantly alleviate consumer range anxiety, a major barrier to electric vehicle adoption. Several companies, often in partnership with global automakers or major battery producers like CATL, are actively pursuing this technological breakthrough.

The main topics covered are the competitive push for ultra-long-range EV batteries in China, the focus on solid-state battery technology, and the industry view that overcoming range anxiety is critical for broader EV adoption.

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Chinese capital Beijing sets sights on building ‘trillion yuan’ hi-tech manufacturing clusters

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-21 00:30)

Beijing aims to build trillion-yuan high-tech manufacturing clusters, according to a new five-year plan. The city will focus on strengthening areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, integrated circuits, and new materials.

A key strategy involves attracting global scientific talent by offering improved work conditions and opening its research facilities. The longer-term goal is to establish Beijing as a leading global science and technology innovation hub by 2035.

The main topics covered are Beijing's economic development plan, its focus on advanced technology sectors, and its policies for attracting international talent to boost China's scientific influence.

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China doubles new renewable capacity in 2020 and raises thermal plants base to five-year high

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-21 08:00)

China more than doubled its new wind and solar power capacity in 2020 compared to 2019, setting a record for wind power additions. This surge aligns with national goals to increase non-fossil fuel consumption and peak carbon emissions within a decade.

Despite the renewable energy push, China also expanded its base of thermal power plants to a five-year high to ensure grid stability. The government has set ambitious long-term targets, including raising non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to 25% by 2030.

The main topics covered are China's record renewable energy expansion in 2020, its concurrent increase in thermal power capacity, and its national carbon reduction and clean energy targets.

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US leads world on artificial intelligence but China is catching up: study

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-25 06:51)

The United States currently leads in overall artificial intelligence capability, according to a study by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. The assessment, based on 2020 data, gives the U.S. a score of 44.6 out of 100, followed by China at 32 and the European Union at 23.3.

The U.S. maintains advantages in key areas like startup investment and R&D funding. However, China is rapidly advancing, partly due to government prioritization of AI, and now possesses more of the world's top 500 supercomputers than any other nation.

The report warns that nations falling behind in AI development risk losing competitiveness in critical industries. The study evaluated 30 metrics across categories including talent, research, commercial development, and hardware and software investment.

Main Topics: Global AI competitiveness rankings, U.S. and China's AI capabilities, national strategies and investments in AI, economic risks of falling behind in AI.

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Huawei ramps up wearables effort with focus on health care amid push into new growth areas

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-25 15:00)

Huawei has announced three new health research programs focused on hypertension management, body temperature, and coronary heart disease for its wearable devices. The company aims to integrate these features into products like smartwatches to create a competitive advantage, though no timeline was provided.

An industry analyst notes there is strong demand for wearables that help manage chronic health conditions. However, developing such technology requires significant R&D investment and collaboration between hardware and tech companies.

The main topics covered are Huawei's health research initiatives for wearables, its competitive strategy in the wearables market, and the industry challenges and expectations for health-focused wearable technology.

Image for Facial recognition is used in China for everything from refuse collection to toilet roll dispensers and its citizens are growing increasingly alarmed, survey shows

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Facial recognition is used in China for everything from refuse collection to toilet roll dispensers and its citizens are growing increasingly alarmed, survey shows

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-26 16:00)

A new survey in China indicates growing public skepticism towards the widespread use of facial recognition technology in public and commercial spaces. The survey, cited by state media, shows nearly 90% of respondents oppose its use in commercial areas, with strong disapproval for its application in residential access, hospitals, and schools.

Key concerns among citizens center on data leaks and privacy violations, leading to calls for more regulation of the technology. This skepticism persists despite a traditionally lower emphasis on privacy in China compared to other regions.

The main topics covered are the proliferation of facial recognition technology in China, significant public opposition to its use in various public spaces, and the primary concerns over data privacy and security driving demands for stricter regulation.

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Backed by tech and innovation, ‘Made in Hong Kong’ is coming back stronger than ever

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-29 02:20)

Hong Kong's manufacturing sector, which largely moved to mainland China decades ago for lower costs, is experiencing a resurgence focused on high-value innovation and technology. This new era of "Made in Hong Kong" emphasizes advanced manufacturing, involving automation, digital solutions, and sustainable practices rather than labor-intensive production. The shift is driven by demand for high-quality design, customization, and end-to-end services from concept to consumer.

Key initiatives aim to diversify Hong Kong's economy by fostering an ecosystem for high-end manufacturing, which is seen as creating new business opportunities and high-skilled employment.

The main topics covered are the historical shift of manufacturing out of Hong Kong, the current revival focused on innovation and technology (I&T), and the characteristics and economic benefits of advanced manufacturing.

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Tencent-backed Kuaishou’s IPO overbought 1,200 times by retail investors, sets record

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-29 10:00)

Kuaishou's Hong Kong IPO set a record as the most oversubscribed deal ever in the city, with its retail investor tranche oversubscribed more than 1,200 times. The short-video platform priced its shares at the top of the marketed range, raising $5.4 billion in the largest IPO in 14 months. Strong demand also came from institutional investors, leading to an early closure of that portion of the offering.

The main topics covered are Kuaishou's record-breaking IPO oversubscription, its final share pricing and funds raised, and the comparison to previous major Hong Kong listings.

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China’s vast opportunities in health care attract global telemedicine firms to world’s second-largest market

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-31 02:30)

China's massive and growing health care market, the world's second-largest by expenditure, is attracting global telemedicine firms. This is driven by significant market opportunities created by a physician shortage, an aging population, and uneven distribution of medical resources.

Companies are entering the market by offering specialized services, like comprehensive medical case management, which go beyond basic teleconsultation to address gaps in the domestic healthtech landscape. They focus on providing access to quality diagnosis and treatment pathways, not just digital accessibility.

The main topics covered are the scale and drivers of China's health care market, the entry strategies of foreign telemedicine firms, and the specific service gaps they aim to fill within the system.

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Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide to expand services, as sector eyes commercialisation

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-02-03 12:00)

Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide aims to expand its robotaxi services into the central urban areas of cities, starting with Guangzhou, as the sector pushes toward commercialization. The company, a leading player with backing from automakers and venture capital, is working to increase its fleet size to achieve this coverage.

WeRide currently operates a fleet of 100 robotaxis and has conducted extensive road testing, now including Guangzhou's commercial districts. The company's expansion reflects China's broader initiative to develop smart, interconnected transportation.

Main topics covered: WeRide's expansion plans, the push for commercialization in autonomous driving, the company's operational scale and testing, and China's smart transportation goals.

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Gene Editing Needs to Be for Everyone

(Ideas Latest / 2024-01-08 12:00)

The U.S. FDA approved the first Crispr-based gene-editing therapy in late 2023 for sickle cell disease, marking a historic medical milestone. Early results are highly promising, with one of the first trial patients remaining symptom-free four years later, indicating a potential cure.

While this breakthrough offers hope for treating other genetic diseases, significant challenges remain regarding cost and accessibility, as the therapy exceeds $2 million per patient. The author emphasizes that the rapid 11-year journey from discovery to approved therapy is still not fast enough for patients awaiting treatments.

The focus is now shifting to developing next-generation therapies that are more affordable and accessible through improved technology and partnerships. The main topics covered are the medical breakthrough of the first Crispr therapy, its promising results, the challenges of cost and access, and the future direction of the field.

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