Energy & Technology

SHANGHAI: EternityX, a leading AI-powered marketing platform specialising in Chinese audience engagement, is accelerating its global expansion strategy with a sharpened focus on empowering brands to navigate and connect with Chinese consumers across APAC, MENA, and Europe. In a rapidly globalising economy where digital engagement and cross-border trade continue to evolve, EternityX positions itself as a strategic bridge between East and West. The company is committed to helping international brands become China-ready—equipping them with the insights, strategies, and digital capabilities needed to build long-term relevance in the Chinese market and beyond. As China continues to play a pivotal role in global commerce, initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and ongoing EU-China dialogues are reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaborations. These relationships are particularly critical across industries such as luxury, hospitality, finance, and digital commerce. Empowering Brands Through Data and Cultural Intelligence “Engaging Chinese audiences in today’s global economy requires more than market access—it demands a data-driven strategy that reflects the evolving trade landscape and digital ecosystems,” said Charlene Ree, CEO of EternityX. “Our platform provides the infrastructure and cultural intelligence businesses need to scale effectively—whether they’re Chinese brands going global or international brands looking to strengthen their foothold in China.” Ree emphasised EternityX’s approach of leveraging behavioural AI and market foresight to guide brands through the growth cycle of finding the right audience, delivering the right message, and choosing the right channel. “It’s not just about conversions—it’s about building meaningful connections that lead to lasting brand trust.” Strategic Leadership and Global Growth EternityX’s expansion is backed by a leadership team with deep-rooted expertise in Chinese media, digital transformation, and cross-border marketing. The company maintains a strong presence in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and the MENA region. Recent strategic hires, including Deric Wong as Chief Business Officer (Global), Jean Kniss Loh as Chief Marketing Officer (Global), and Max Lee as Global Partner for China Media Integration, reflect EternityX’s commitment to delivering strategic growth and innovation in key markets. As global demand for Chinese consumer engagement intensifies, EternityX is well-positioned to lead the way—driving measurable outcomes for brands aiming to achieve sustainable growth and market leadership.

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft is set to reshape Malaysia’s digital economy with the launch of its first-ever hyperscale cloud region, Malaysia West. Located in Greater Kuala Lumpur and slated to go live in Q2 2025, the new cloud infrastructure marks a pivotal step in the company’s long-term commitment to advancing the nation’s cloud and AI capabilities. According to the IDC “Microsoft Cloud Dividend Snapshot” report, Microsoft, alongside its partners and cloud-enabled businesses, is projected to generate $10.9 billion in new revenues and create 37,575 new jobs in Malaysia by 2028. Among these, 5,700 will be skilled IT positions, strengthening Malaysia’s digital workforce and positioning the country as a regional hub for AI and cloud innovation. A Milestone in Microsoft’s 33-Year Journey in Malaysia As a trusted technology partner in Malaysia for over three decades, Microsoft continues to fuel the country’s transition toward a digital-first economy. Once operational, the Malaysia West cloud region will offer businesses access to Microsoft’s full suite of cloud solutions, enabling them to scale operations, enhance efficiency, and build digital resilience. Critically, the cloud region will also ensure compliance with Malaysia’s data residency regulations, allowing organizations to store and manage data securely within the country while adhering to government standards. Investing in Talent and AI-Readiness Microsoft’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure. In May 2024, Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a $2.2 billion investment to accelerate Malaysia’s cloud and AI ambitions. A key pillar of this effort is the AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative, launched in December 2024, which aims to equip 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills by the end of 2025. This builds upon the Bersama Malaysia initiative, which has already provided digital skills training to over 1.53 million Malaysians. Empowering Malaysia’s Digital Future Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, emphasized the transformative impact of the new cloud region: “The Malaysia West cloud region is more than just infrastructure—it’s a catalyst for innovation, enabling businesses to harness AI and cloud technology at scale. With this investment, Malaysia is poised to become a leading hub for cloud and AI growth in Southeast Asia.” Dr. Andrew Lau, Director of Strategic Programs for Microsoft Malaysia, echoed this sentiment: “As Malaysia advances its AI and cloud ecosystem, the new cloud region will empower businesses to expand seamlessly while providing global enterprises with a strategic entry point into the Malaysian market. This initiative will strengthen the country’s digital competitiveness, solidifying its role in an AI-powered future.” With this landmark investment, Microsoft is reinforcing its role as a key driver of Malaysia’s digital transformation, equipping businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. For more details on the Malaysia West cloud region, visit: aka.ms/MalaysiaCloudRegionPlaybook.

BEIJING: Shares of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD soared to a record high today following the unveiling of its groundbreaking battery technology, which promises to charge an EV in the same time it takes to refuel a petrol car. The new battery and charging system, dubbed the “Super e-Platform”, boasts peak charging speeds of 1,000 kW, enabling vehicles to travel up to 470 kilometres after just five minutes of charging. BYD founder Wang Chuanfu said the innovation aims to “fundamentally solve users’ charging anxiety.” “Our goal is to make EV charging as fast as refueling a petrol vehicle,” he stated at the launch event last night. Following the announcement, BYD’s Hong Kong-listed shares surged over six percent to hit a record high on Tuesday morning before paring some gains. A Step Ahead of Tesla The new technology places BYD ahead of rival Tesla, whose Superchargers currently peak at 500 kW—only half the speed of BYD’s latest innovation. Alongside the Super e-Platform, BYD introduced two new EV models—the Han L sedan and the Tang L SUV—which will be the first to feature the cutting-edge system. To support the rollout, BYD also revealed plans to build over 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China, reinforcing its aggressive push for EV infrastructure dominance. BYD’s Explosive Growth The announcement comes as BYD continues its rapid expansion, with February sales surging 161% to more than 318,000 electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Tesla faced a 49% drop in Chinese market sales over the same period. Nio & CATL Bet on Battery Swapping In a separate development, fellow Chinese EV maker Nio signed a deal with battery giant CATL to collaborate on a passenger car battery swap network. Battery swapping offers an alternative to ultra-fast charging, but infrastructure costs and standardization remain significant hurdles. Under the agreement, CATL will invest up to 2.5 billion yuan (RM1.5 billion) into Nio’s network. With BYD pushing the limits of charging speed and Nio betting on battery swaps, China’s EV race is heating up like never before. — AFP

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng is set to revolutionize the automotive and aviation industries with its ambitious plan to mass-produce modular flying cars by 2026. If successful, XPeng will become the world’s first company to bring flying vehicles to the mass market. Flying Cars and Humanoid Robots on the Horizon XPeng Motors’ chairman and CEO, He Xiaopeng, recently confirmed that the company is on track to begin large-scale production of its modular flying cars in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, XPeng plans to introduce humanoid robots with Level 3 autonomy as early as next year. Following this announcement, XPeng’s stock prices surged, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the company’s innovative strides. XPeng’s humanoid robot, named Iron, debuted last year, boasting over 60 joints and 200 degrees of freedom. Powered by XPeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip, Iron is expected to serve beyond manufacturing, potentially filling roles in administration, customer service, and personal assistance. The XPeng AEROHT Flying Car: A Modular Innovation XPeng AEROHT, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors and the largest flying car company in Asia, unveiled an operational version of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle at CES 2025 in January. Pre-sales for the flying car have already begun, with pricing set between 1 and 2 million RMB. Dubbed the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” XPeng’s modular flying car consists of two key components: a ground module and an air module. The ground module (Mothership): A 6×6 all-wheel-drive electric vehicle with rear-wheel steering and off-road capabilities. Designed with a futuristic cyber-mech aesthetic, it features a four-seat cabin and a range of over 1,000 kilometers. The air module: A detachable two-seat eVTOL unit that can be loaded and unloaded in under five minutes. Constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, it operates using six dual-duct rotors with foldable propellers. When not in use, the flight module is stored within the mothership, allowing the vehicle to fit into standard parking spaces and underground garages. The Rise of the Low-Altitude Economy XPeng AEROHT envisions itself as the “Global Leader in Low-Altitude Product Innovations.” The low-altitude economy, a burgeoning sector in China, focuses on airspace operations below 1,000 meters. Existing players in this industry include DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, which has already implemented unmanned food delivery drones, and several air shuttle companies currently in pilot testing. The first batch of XPeng’s flying cars is expected to serve specialized markets such as tourism and rescue operations before wider consumer adoption. Meanwhile, XPeng is also racing ahead with self-driving technology, aiming to launch Level 3 autonomous vehicles this year and introduce Level 4 capabilities soon after, which would allow for full self-driving in designated areas. As the launch date approaches, XPeng’s advancements in flying vehicles and AI-powered robotics will be closely watched by industry players and consumers alike. More details are expected to emerge in the coming months as XPeng moves toward transforming the future of transportation.