Alibaba’s AI gamble, US visa shock, Singapore’s mid-cap move

Claressa Monteiro
Published Fri, Sep 26, 2025 · 05:46 PM
    • Alibaba’s $50 billion bet on artificial intelligence could push Chinese tech to the next frontier.
    • Alibaba’s $50 billion bet on artificial intelligence could push Chinese tech to the next frontier. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

    Asia’s markets just closed out another volatile week, with artificial intelligence once again at the centre of the storm. Chinese and Japanese tech names are sprinting, valuations are under the microscope, and fresh policy shifts are rippling through the region. But what is noise, and what could actually move your portfolio next?

    In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, host Emily Liu is joined by Raisah Rasid, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, to cut through the hype and examine what really matters for investors. From AI’s runaway rally to the latest US visa shake-up and Singapore’s latest equity market initiative, it is a conversation built to give clarity when the headlines feel overwhelming.

    Why listen?

    • Asia’s AI reality check: Where valuations look stretched, where they still make sense, and why the whole AI supply chain matters.
    • China’s next AI chapter: What Alibaba’s new model and US$50 billion capex signal about the ecosystem’s direction.
    • H-1B shock explained: How higher visa costs may shift offshoring and margins, and who could benefit.
    • Singapore’s mid-cap 50: Why the new index could widen opportunities beyond the STI 30 and bring new depth to local markets.

    Beyond the big names, this episode also looks at the quieter winners powering the AI boom. Industrials, utilities, and cloud infrastructure. It unpacks how Asian tech still trades at a discount to US peers, and what earnings need to show to close that gap.

    If you want a sharper read on whether this rally has legs, and how to position yourself in Asia now, this episode is the one to catch.

    That’s all in this week’s Market Focus Weekly. Listen to more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

    BT in your inbox

    Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

    ---

    Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg)

    With Raisah Rasid, global market strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management

    Edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Emily & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

    ---

    Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday:

    Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus

    Amazon: bt.sg/mfam

    Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap

    Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp

    YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt

    Website: bt.sg/mktfocus

    Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

    Discover more BT podcast series:

    BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

    BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt

    BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM

    BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

    Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.