Artificial Intelligence

China AI chipmaker Biren soars over 100% on Hong Kong debut as IPO wave builds

Bourse filings show that the retail tranche is oversubscribed about 2,348 times

The Republic will continue to be buffeted by the unpredictabilities of the global environment.
BRUNCH

When change is the constant: Policies and politics to watch in 2026, at home and abroad

From Cabinet confirmations to potential confrontations, much lies ahead in the new year

China’s ambitions to grow its at-home chips sector have accelerated this year as Beijing resolves to reduce its reliance on foreign players, given increasing trade tensions.

AI chip designer Biren’s shares double on debut in Hong Kong

Meanwhile, debuts by Chinese chipmakers this year on the mainland have been far more impressive

Competition around AI between China and the US is heating up, with Beijing intensifying a push to nurture future national champions in the industry.

Baidu’s AI chip unit Kunlunxin confidentially files for Hong Kong IPO

The Beijing-based firm has been valued at at least US$3 billion, according to sources

The founder has pushed his team to rethink how large-scale AI systems are conceived and built.

DeepSeek touts new training method as China pushes AI efficiency

Chinese startups continue to operate under significant constraints

The priorities of Singapore's 4G leadership – led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong – should become clearer in 2026.
OUTLOOK 2026

Transition in full swing: The 4G leadership’s direction and Budget 2026 priorities

With the election over, the focus may be on long-term issues such as climate change and the ageing population

Critics argue that human-like emotional attributes can trick people into treating them less like tools and more like friends or therapists, with sometimes tragic consequences.

Why people love neurotic robots

Our preference to engage with robots that take on human characteristics threatens genuine social interaction

Despite not having home-grown AI giant, Asean stands to benefit meaningfully from the boom, says the writer.

Asean’s quiet upside in the global tech boom

A rising tide lifts all boats that are seaworthy. Asean’s boats are not the largest in AI, but they are well-positioned and increasingly specialised

Singapore enters 2026 in better-than-expected economic condition, with full-year GDP growth for 2025 forecast at “around 4%”.
THINKING ALOUD

Now that the party’s over

After a better-than-expected 2025, greater sobriety might be in order for 2026

Keppel CEO Loh Chin Hua says the company's funds under management reached S$91 billion by mid-2025, up from S$88 billion at the end of 2024.

Keppel prioritises asset monetisation and digitalisation for growth

It remains on track to exceed target of S$100 billion in funds under management by end-2026, says CEO