Articles (Page 5) | Meridiano

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Coronavirus in China: 2021 outlook brightens for health care operators, pharmaceutical and device makers after price cuts

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-03 01:45)

Financial analysts forecast a positive 2021 for China's hospital operators and internet healthcare platforms, as pandemic impacts wane and policy reforms encourage online services.

However, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers face challenges from price pressures due to China's new centralized procurement system.

The healthcare sector performed strongly in 2020, with major stock indices seeing significant gains driven by pandemic-fueled demand for online health services.

Main topics: China healthcare sector outlook, hospital and internet platform operators, drug price pressures, 2020 stock performance.

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Electric-car maker Xpeng shrugs off concerns Tesla’s steeply discounted Model Y will win over mainland Chinese drivers

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-04 16:30)

Xpeng's CEO expresses confidence that the company's smart vehicle features will maintain its competitiveness against Tesla, despite significant price cuts for the Model Y in China. The company cites strong fourth-quarter sales as evidence of its product appeal.

Analysts have warned that Tesla's price reductions, exceeding 30%, could threaten the market share of domestic EV rivals like Xpeng.

The main topics covered are the competitive dynamics in China's EV market, Tesla's aggressive pricing strategy, and Xpeng's response emphasizing its technological strengths.

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China Telecom launches quantum encrypted phone calls on smartphones in a new pilot programme

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-07 01:13)

China Telecom has launched a pilot program in Anhui province offering quantum encrypted phone calls. Users must obtain a special SIM card and install a dedicated Android app to access the service, which uses the laws of quantum physics to secure communications.

This technology differs from traditional encryption, as any interception attempt physically alters the message, alerting the parties involved. The pilot represents a step in the broader development of quantum technology, which promises more secure cryptography but also threatens to break existing encryption methods.

Main topics: Quantum encryption technology, China Telecom's pilot program, and the mechanics and security advantages of quantum cryptography.

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How 2 Hong Kong pioneers’ hi-tech robotic arms can transform traditional industries and research

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-07 03:01)

Hong Kong-based start-up Inovo Robotics is developing affordable and flexible robotic arms to make automation accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. The company's technology is already being used in a local vertical farm to automate tasks like sowing and harvesting, improving efficiency and reducing manpower needs.

Inovo's goal is to "democratise robots" by providing collaborative tools that can handle repetitive tasks across various industries, from agriculture to food processing. Another Hong Kong pioneer, Nikyang, is using similar automation technology to transform laboratory research by enabling more reliable and systematic analysis.

The main topics covered are the application of robotic automation in traditional industries and research, the focus on making the technology affordable for smaller businesses, and specific use cases in vertical farming and lab work.

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China-US tech rivalry: Beijing plans to restructure national labs, boost investment in scientific research

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-07 10:00)

China is launching a systemic restructuring of its national key laboratories and articulating a 10-year plan to boost investment in fundamental science research. This effort aims to align state labs with national technology priorities and enhance China's technological capabilities amid its rivalry with the United States.

Additional priorities for 2021 include mobilizing nationwide resources for breakthroughs in key research areas and encouraging a more dominant role for enterprises in science and technology innovation.

The main topics covered are the China-US tech rivalry, the restructuring of China's state key laboratories, increased investment in basic research, and the role of enterprises in innovation.

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Tesla faces a new foe as China's search engine Baidu allies with Volvo's owner Geely to make electric cars

(Science & Research - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-08 12:28)

Chinese tech giant Baidu is forming a strategic partnership with automaker Geely to manufacture electric vehicles. Baidu will contribute its autonomous driving platform, while Geely will provide manufacturing expertise and facilities.

This alliance enters a highly competitive Chinese EV market, where numerous tech-backed automakers are challenging Tesla's dominance. The partnership is structured as a new company, with Baidu reportedly holding majority control and decision-making power.

The main topics covered are the Baidu-Geely partnership, the competitive electric vehicle market in China, and the structure of the new joint venture.

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Bilibili and Kuaishou’s Hong Kong listings will showcase the e-commerce prowess of China’s video-sharing giants

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-11 00:29)

Two major Chinese video-sharing platforms, Bilibili and Kuaishou, are pursuing significant listings on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Kuaishou aims for a $4-5 billion IPO, while Bilibili seeks around $3 billion in a secondary listing, with ByteDance also considering listing its Douyin app.

These listings will highlight the companies' e-commerce strength and China's innovative "shopertainment" model, which blends live-streaming influencers with retail. The trend accelerated as the pandemic drove consumer brands and small businesses online to sell via digital video platforms.

Analysts note the sector's huge user base and monetization potential are key investor attractions. The listings represent a hunt for beneficiaries of the rapid shift to online retail and digital marketing.

Main Topics: Hong Kong IPOs of Chinese tech firms (Bilibili, Kuaishou, potential Douyin); integration of e-commerce and video-sharing ("shopertainment"); pandemic-driven shift to online retail and influencer marketing.

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Intel’s self-driving car unit Mobileye plans to step up use of its own radar tech by 2025

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-13 01:52)

Mobileye, Intel's self-driving unit, currently relies on camera-based systems for advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control. For more advanced autonomous systems, including robotaxis launching in 2022, the company will integrate third-party radar and Luminar lidar sensors for full 360-degree coverage.

The company is also developing its own proprietary radar and lidar technology. Mobileye plans to begin implementing its own in-house radar technology by 2025 for consumer-focused autonomous vehicles.

The main topics covered are Mobileye's sensor strategy, its current and future technology (cameras, radar, lidar), and its rollout plans for robotaxis and consumer vehicles.

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How budding innovators can help Hong Kong promote smart city living amid Covid-19 pandemic

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-13 02:12)

Hong Kong has launched the "City I&T Grand Challenge" to crowdsource innovative solutions for problems exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as increased waste and social isolation. The competition, organized by the government and supported by HKSTP, invites students, start-ups, and the global public to submit ideas for a more sustainable and inclusive smart city.

The goal is to leverage existing technology and community insights to address specific issues in environmental sustainability and social connectivity. Proposals must target one of four set problem areas, with a submission deadline of April 24.

The main topics covered are the Covid-19 pandemic's social and environmental challenges, Hong Kong's smart city initiative, and the details of the public innovation competition.

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China’s Megvii kick-starts IPO on Shanghai’s Star Market after Trump added facial recognition giant to entity list

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-13 06:25)

Chinese facial recognition and AI firm Megvii has initiated an IPO on Shanghai's Star Market. This move follows the lapse of its earlier Hong Kong IPO application after the company was placed on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019.

The company is now turning to China's domestic market, leveraging supportive policies and receptive local investors to fund its expansion. The Star Market was established to support Chinese tech companies, allowing unprofitable firms in strategic sectors like AI to list domestically.

The main topics covered are Megvii's IPO shift from Hong Kong to Shanghai, the impact of U.S. trade sanctions, and China's strategic support for its domestic technology sector through capital markets.

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Is this Chinese prototype the shape of maglev train tech to come?

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-13 13:45)

Researchers at Southwest Jiaotong University in China have unveiled a prototype maglev train designed to travel at speeds up to 620 km/h, with ambitions to reach 800 km/h. They claim their superconducting maglev technology is more economical than existing systems, potentially enabling superfast travel at lower costs.

The development is part of China's broader plan to create faster intercity links. A commercially viable product based on this prototype could be available within six years.

Main topics: New Chinese maglev train prototype, its high-speed capabilities and cost claims, and its place in national transportation plans and global competition.

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How extended reality technology can help brands build a better B2B journey

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-14 04:00)

Extended reality (XR) technology, including AR and VR, saw increased consumer use during pandemic lockdowns for virtual exploration and meetings. However, its most significant impact has been in the B2B sector, where it simplifies and enriches the customer decision journey.

The B2B purchasing process is complex, involving multiple decision-makers and lengthy research. XR addresses this by providing immersive experiences that make information more accessible and help build crucial trust with prospects.

The main topics covered are the growth of XR technology, its application in B2B versus B2C contexts, and how it improves the complex B2B decision-making process.

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China to allow driverless car tests on highways, putting it in the same lane as US, Germany and UK

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-14 09:00)

China has drafted new regulations to legalize autonomous vehicle testing on highways, aligning its policies with countries like the US, Germany, and the UK. The rules, open for public feedback, are expected to be implemented soon, marking a significant step forward from previous, more cautious road-testing policies.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) cites strong industry demand and improved technology as reasons for the change. This move is intended to help China's domestic industry catch up in the development of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs).

The main topics covered are China's new autonomous driving regulations, the expansion of testing to highways, and the global context of the industry's development.

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French think tank calls for united front with US to control semiconductor technology transfers to Chinese military

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

A French think tank, Institut Montaigne, recommends the European Union form a united front with the United States to tighten controls on semiconductor technology transfers to China. This is due to concerns that such technology could advance Chinese military capabilities and affect regional security.

The report argues that maintaining a technological advantage over China is in the interest of international security. It reflects broader Western apprehensions about semiconductors being used to enhance weapon systems as China grows more assertive.

The recommendation comes as the EU re-evaluates its strategic posture towards the Asia-Pacific region. The report's author notes it is too early to predict if U.S. controls on tech transfers will loosen under the Biden administration.

The main topics covered are international security, semiconductor technology controls, EU-US-China relations, and military-civilian technology fusion.

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Tencent-backed video-sharing app Kuaishou wins green light from Hong Kong to raise up to US$6 billion

(Innovation - South China Morning Post / 2021-01-15 02:22)

Kuaishou Technology has received approval from Hong Kong's stock exchange for an IPO aiming to raise $5-6 billion, which would be the city's largest in over a year. The Tencent-backed company, a major video-sharing app with 300 million daily users, plans to finalize pricing in late January and begin trading before the Lunar New Year.

The offering highlights the significant size of the deal, which surpasses recent major listings and presents investors with the challenge of evaluating the company's path to profitability despite its large user base. Furthermore, this IPO is seen as potentially paving the way for listings by other Chinese video-streaming competitors.

The main topics covered are Kuaishou's approved IPO, its financial scale and timing, its position in the market, and investor considerations regarding its profitability.