Tencent and the Guillemot family are contemplating forming a new business entity that incorporates specific Ubisoft assets. They are currently assessing which assets should be a part of this new venture.

The tech company from China and the Guillemot family are currently examining which assets to incorporate into their new venture, and how much they are worth, according to sources. A possible agreement could enable Tencent to acquire an interest in the business venture and gain greater influence over some of Ubisoft's intellectual properties, thereby enhancing its video game operations beyond the Chinese market, insiders claim.

Discussions are still in progress and nothing has been finalized yet, according to sources. A spokesperson for Tencent chose not to comment on the matter. When asked, a representative for Ubisoft pointed to the company's announcement from January 9, stating they've enlisted consultants to explore different strategies to enhance value.

Bloomberg News revealed in October that Tencent and the Guillemot family were discussing with consultants on strategies to steady Ubisoft and increase its worth following a drop in its share value. Insiders have indicated that a buyout was one of the potential solutions being evaluated.

As per Ubisoft's yearly report, as of March 31, Tencent and the Guillemot family held 25.4% of Ubisoft's share capital and 29.6% of the voting rights.

Ubisoft's stocks have seen a drastic decrease of almost 50% within the last year, making the company's market worth approximately US$1.6 billion. The company lowered its projections in September and announced a postponement of its Assassin’s Creed Shadows game's launch from November to February. Just last week, it further pushed back the release date of this well-liked series to March 20.

Cambricon, considered China's top AI chip manufacturer and a competitor to Nvidia, forecasts its initial quarterly earnings. The company, highly favored by Chinese investors in 2024, is deemed as one of the country's most promising enterprises in creating sophisticated domestic graphics processors.

This implies that in the previous quarter, the company generated net earnings varying between 240 million yuan and 328 million yuan, following a loss of 724 million yuan in the initial nine months of the year. This was the inaugural quarter where Cambricon turned a profit.

The company, based in Beijing, also projected that its revenue last year would see a substantial rise of about 70 per cent, amounting to 1.2 billion yuan.

The shares listed in Shanghai ended at 695.96 yuan on Wednesday, marking a significant increase from 120.80 yuan from the previous year.

Next-generation chip manufacturers in the Greater Bay Area are gaining traction in the Chinese electric vehicle sector. The Nansha district in Guangzhou is becoming a hot spot for firms producing silicon carbide semiconductors, who are leveraging the benefits of regional consolidation.

Nansha, situated in the southern part of Guangdong's province capital, is leveraging its close proximity to major economic hubs and local industrial strategies to establish a top-tier semiconductor hub. The focus of this hub is on silicon carbide (SiC) – a vital element for future generation semiconductors.

AscenPower Semiconductors, a significant entity in the regional center, is known as China's biggest SiC chip production endeavor, primarily concentrating on the automobile industry's chip needs.

Xiao, who also heads up APT Electronics, the first semiconductor firm in Nansha, highlighted the advantages of the bay area layout, since it allows him to participate in meetings in both Guangzhou and Hong Kong within a single day.

"Two decades ago, when I launched a business with my guide from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, I had no idea about the existence of GBA," Xiao stated at the yearly conference, which was hosted in Nansha for the first occasion this year. APT Electronics and three other semiconductor start-ups established by Xiao's group have now expanded to roughly 4,000 employees, generating an economic yield of 4 billion yuan (US$545.5 million) in 2024, as per the executive's information.

Hans Group, the primary shareholder of Citybus, has entered an agreement to power buses in Hong Kong using hydrogen. This pact, involving Hans Group, Citybus, and Grand Resource Hydrogen, was signed on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, a supply agreement was inked between Hans Group, Citybus and Grand Resource Hydrogen Energy Science & Technology. The latter, a Shenzhen-based firm, operates under the oversight of the Guangdong provincial government.

Grand Resource Hydrogen has assured a daily provision of at least five tonnes of hydrogen, with the cost not surpassing what is billed to customers on the mainland, as stated in a collective announcement by the firms.

"This deal will significantly alleviate worries regarding the availability and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for public transportation for Citybus," stated Hans Group CEO Yang Dong to the Post following a contract signing event.

He stated that five tons of hydrogen could adequately fuel approximately 100 buses that operate on hydrogen fuel cells. He also mentioned that the expansion of the hydrogen-based fleet for Citybus is not anticipated to achieve this scale in the upcoming two years or even longer.

Citybus has committed to ensuring its entire fleet, currently over 1,700 buses, will be emission-free by 2045. This is five years before the deadline set by Hong Kong. Currently, there is one hydrogen fuel cell bus in operation, but the number is expected to rise to five within this year.

The steep price of hydrogen has raised questions about the financial feasibility of hydrogen-powered buses in Hong Kong. Sinopec announced last year that the cost of hydrogen in the city would be HK$108 per kilogram (US$13.80), which is roughly triple the rate in Foshan, Guangdong.

Forecasts for Marketing in 2025 by Melissa Wong of AIA Hong Kong and Macau

Wong highlights the comeback of the AIA Carnival and its potential to foster significant relationships as a notable event of 2024

AIA's marketing strategies in 2025 will concentrate on dismantling cliches and advocating a comprehensive perspective on health and wellness

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Kevin Huang, the Chief Operating Officer at SCMP, and Melissa Wong, the Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at AIA Hong Kong and Macau.

Melissa Wong, the lead customer and marketing officer at AIA Hong Kong and Macau, has been a significant figure in the company's attempt to promote health and wellness to Hong Kong's residents. She emphasizes the importance of this in Hong Kong, considering their high life expectancy. Wong aims to shift the public's mindset from viewing life as a mere number to considering it as a span of health.

"She emphasizes that there's an abundance of options and initiatives to pick from," she states. "Processing and considering these various alternatives, and determining precisely how we can bring about significant change for our clients has genuinely been our primary concentration."

She emphasizes that the key to success here is having the bravery to choose a handful of essential projects that will create the most significant effect.

Igniting Human Interactions

Investigation in the US reveals China's undue control over shipbuilding, according to insiders

Chinese embassy representative counters the report, stating 'US is pointing fingers at China for its own issues'

Chinese embassy representative counters the report, stating 'US is pointing fingers at China for its own issues'

The administration of US President Joe Biden has determined that China employs unjust strategies and methods to gain control over the global maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries, according to three sources who have knowledge of the findings of an extensive trade inquiry, as reported to Reuters.

In April 2024, Katherine Tai, the United States Trade Representative, initiated an investigation following the appeal from the United Steelworkers and four other American unions. This investigation was carried out under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which permits the US to impose penalties on overseas nations that partake in actions deemed "inexcusable" or "unreasonable", or those that place a strain on US commerce.

The probe determined that China strategically aimed at controlling the shipbuilding and maritime sector, employing methods such as financial backing, creating obstacles for international companies, compulsory technology sharing, intellectual property infringement, and acquisition strategies to favor its own shipbuilding and maritime sector, according to an insider who wished to remain anonymous.

The individual also claimed that Beijing significantly and deliberately held down labor expenses in the marine, ship construction, and logistics industries, referencing sections of the report.

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Biden declares that China 'will never outdo us', in his parting statement a week prior to his departure from office.

There was no instant response available from USTR, the White House, or President-elect Donald Trump's transition team.

The US suggests enhancing supervision over 'de minimis' exemption for low-cost imports. The new regulation is aimed at assisting customs officials in managing more than 4 million deliveries that they receive each day, with approximately half believed to come from China.

On Monday, the United States suggested a fresh rule to boost the monitoring of low-cost imports under the de minimis guideline. This rule currently allows goods worth US$800 or less to bypass strict screening and duty charges.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency announced a proposed rule for the entry of low-value shipments. The rule is designed to improve the agency's capability to intercept dangerous and unlawful goods. This would be achieved by requiring more shipment information and initiating an entirely digital filing process.

The suggestion arises as CBP struggles with an unparalleled surge of de minimis deliveries – exceeding 4 million each day – which authorities claim saturates their capability to focus on potentially hazardous parcels.

Pete Flores, the interim leader of the organization, described the suggested alteration as crucial in tackling escalating dangers.

"Every single day, CBP's male and female personnel seize items that pose a risk to the health and security of US citizens, as well as to our nation's economic prosperity," stated Flores.

"This suggested regulation will provide us with some of the resources required to tackle a greater number of these hazards."

Restrictions are expected on the global growth of Chinese tech businesses under a prospective second Trump administration, according to UBS analyst Kenneth Fong. Despite a slowdown in domestic growth, Chinese firms will persist in their international endeavors. However, Fong warns that they will encounter increased risks.

With the inception of the new US administration, we anticipate a surge in policies or announcements impacting the international operations of Chinese firms, spanning areas such as cross-border e-commerce, video gaming, and artificial intelligence," stated Kenneth Fong, the leader of China internet research at UBS, during a press conference in Shanghai on Monday.

Despite the geopolitical uncertainties, he noted that Chinese firms will persist in making investments in foreign markets.

Fong suggests that Chinese tech firms should be concerned about three things in terms of geopolitical risks: the potential for American businesses to be prohibited from investing in Chinese tech corporations, possible further limitations on the procurement of AI chips, and the effect of trade disputes on their international operations.

Time Stamp:

Biden's objective for China's tech policy: a decade-long disadvantage

The number of distressed property transactions is expected to increase this year due to a downturn prompting property owners and receivers to lower prices. The surge in distressed transactions in 2025 is attributed to high interest rates and global economic instability.

"Given the persistent high interest rates and instability in the worldwide economy, we anticipate a rise in the count of troubled properties throughout this year," expressed Eunice Tang, the executive director of capital markets at JLL. "Since the latter part of the previous year, there's been a noticeable increase in individual consumers and investors who are keen on the investment market, as sellers become more open to reducing their demand prices."

Tang stated that the total worth of troubled property deals in Hong Kong reached HK$15 billion (US$1.9 billion) in 2024. The highest value of these kind of transactions was recorded in 2012, amounting to HK$82.7 billion.

During the final quarter of 2024, the major point of interest for investors was assets that were either in receivership or being sold at a reduced price, making up almost 50% of the significant transactions in Hong Kong, based on information collected by Colliers. This tendency is expected to persist into the current year, they reported.

"Tang mentioned that numerous property owners may not openly express their readiness to sell, but they would probably entertain substantial bids from buyers. He added that although the worth of sales related to financially troubled properties may not hit unprecedented levels, there could be a rise in the volume of such deals."

A new real estate listing has been made for the Sheraton Hotel in Tung Chung, which boasts 1,219 rooms. The property comprises two distinct hotel brands: the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel that has 218 rooms and the larger Four Points by Sheraton with 1,001 rooms, as per the information provided by the exclusive broker, Savills. Insiders have informed the Post that the desired selling price for the whole property is approximately HK$4.5 billion. The hotel, situated near the Hong Kong International Airport, covers a total floor area of roughly 610,000 square feet.

Hong Kong shares recover from a four-month downturn as Chinese authorities pledge to steady the market. The Hang Seng Index breaks its six-day decline following the CSRC's commitment to sustaining the market's dynamism.

The Hang Seng Index saw an increase of 1.8 per cent, closing at 19,219.78, breaking its six-day streak of a 4.5 per cent decrease, which had brought the index to its lowest since September 23. The Hang Seng Tech Index also experienced a gain of 3.1 per cent. Meanwhile, in China, the CSI 300 Index went up by 2.6 per cent, and the Shanghai Composite Index recorded a 2.5 per cent rise.

The biotechnology company, Wuxi AppTec, saw an increase of over 4 per cent following its sale of a share in one of its divisions. Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings, the largest stocks on the Hang Seng index, also made gains.

"Officials are attempting to boost the market by enhancing support initiatives during a period of 'policy inactivity' lasting until March," remarked Shen Fanchao, a researcher at Zheshang International based in Hong Kong. "Despite there being a few positive aspects in China's economy, the overarching pattern is a sluggish rebound. The pressure for a downward adjustment of business profits is escalating."

Investors are holding off on significant stock investments as they seek further insight into China's commitment to implementing the financial and economic stimulus plans promised during high-level discussions last year. They are also anticipating whether new tariffs will be imposed on Chinese exports following the swearing-in of US President-elect Donald Trump in a week. March will be a crucial time to observe China's policy progression, as lawmakers convene for the yearly National People's Congress to debate the country's growth objectives and key economic strategies.

The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, is scheduled to visit China in light of Beijing's investigation into antitrust practices and restrictions on US AI chips. Huang's itinerary includes trips to the major Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, followed by a visit to Taipei later in the week.

The CEO of Nvidia is anticipated to land in Shenzhen to join in the yearly Lunar New Year festivities of the staff around the 15th of January. This is just days prior to when the newly elected US President, Donald Trump, is set to take his oath for the second term, as per sources acquainted with the situation.

The co-founder is also reportedly intending to visit Shanghai and Beijing, according to sources who wish to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the matter. Furthermore, he is expected to travel to Taipei later this week, as per someone acquainted with his itinerary.

Huang is traveling around China during a crucial period for the firm, which has been caught up in the wider US-China technology dispute as the leading manufacturer of chips for AI advancement.

Leading CIOs express wariness over worldwide economic expansion due to unpredictability in Trump and China's policies. According to Manraj Sekhon from Templeton Global, the worldwide markets might experience a prolonged phase of instability despite having impressive growth last year.

The top financial overseers at some of the world's biggest investment firms are maintaining a cautious stance regarding the global economic forecast, following the market upturn last year. They are cautiously treading potential challenges this year.

Senior leaders' optimism towards worldwide economic expansion is at a near historical low, as incoming U.S President, Donald Trump, prepares to assume office next week. Meanwhile, there remains uncertainty regarding China's strategies to revive its economy.

"Over the past few years, we've seen excellent economic expansion, yet the world continues to grapple with uneven growth and risk profiles," said Manraj Sekhon, Chief Investment Officer of Templeton Global Investments, during a panel discussion at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Templeton Global serves as the private investment division of the US-based asset management company, Franklin Templeton, which oversees assets worth $1.6 trillion.

He mentioned that there would be notable gains and losses, and he anticipated witnessing prolonged fluctuations across various asset categories this year.

The S&P 500 Index saw a rise of 23 percent in the previous year. Similarly, China's CSI 300 Index experienced a 15 percent increase, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index went up by 18 percent, breaking a record of four consecutive annual declines.

The investment sector is closely monitoring the difficulties arising from changes in geopolitics and politics. The incoming policies on trade, tariffs, and immigration by the Trump administration have introduced an additional level of intricacy to the markets, according to panel members.