Alibaba Cloud sets ambitious goals for Southeast Asia by 2025 through new AI collaborations

The premier cloud services provider in China is focusing on investments in its operations within Indonesia, Thailand, and other markets.

In its updated Alibaba Cloud Partner Rainforest Plan, the company based in Hangzhou expressed its intention to collaborate with 100 ecosystem partners next year. The goal is to create and offer advanced AI and cloud computing solutions to businesses in diverse industries globally.

This action is in line with a wider plan by Alibaba Cloud to increase foreign investments and broaden its cloud infrastructure services in crucial markets.

"Selina Yuan, the president of international business at Alibaba Cloud, stated in the company's partner summit in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday, that they are dedicated to assisting their worldwide partners to mutually profit from the AI era and satisfy the varied business needs of their global clients."

Artificial Intelligence has significantly propelled the expansion of cloud services at Alibaba, the company that owns South China Morning Post. Alibaba Cloud, which collaborates with approximately 12,000 global partners including Deloitte and Accenture, saw a 7 per cent increase in its year-on-year revenue, reaching 29.6 billion yuan (US$4.1 billion) in the quarter ending in September. This represents the division's quickest quarterly growth in a span of two years.

Real estate transactions in Hong Kong reach a peak in 7 months, yet a decline is anticipated in December. The Land Registry reports that last month saw 7,689 property deals, amounting to US$8.2 billion.

Real estate sales in Hong Kong hit a seven-month peak in November, but market analysts predict a likely decline this month. This downturn is anticipated due to increased wariness among buyers triggered by escalating geopolitical conflicts and a possible reduction in the frequency of interest rate cuts.

Last month saw the finalization of 7,689 transactions involving new and pre-owned residences, workplaces, retail spaces, industrial properties, and car parks. This figure, released by the Land Registry on Tuesday, represents the peak since the 9,880 deals made in April.

The count was 31 percent greater than the 5,857 recorded in October and over twice the 3,532 documented a year ago.

The worth of the transactions surged over 50 per cent to HK$64.1 billion (US$8.2 billion) in comparison to October, indicating a 161 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the data.

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The Hong Kong housing minister unveils a strategy to control partitioned apartments and enhance home ownership.

Real estate deals in November increased for the third consecutive month, however, they are expected to plunge by almost 40 per cent to a minimum of 4,800 in December due to a decrease in house sales, says Derek Chan, the research chief at Ricacorp Properties.

Confidence resurged in the real estate market after a 0.5% decrease in interest rates in September, which was additionally reinforced by the relaxation of home loan rates for property purchasers and investors in October.

Chinese trade associations are advocating for a cautious approach to purchasing American semiconductor components in response to sanctions imposed by the Biden administration. This move could potentially impact the domestic operations of major tech companies such as Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Intel.

The latest actions taken by the US have significantly damaged the steady and robust growth of China's internet sector, says the Internet Society of China. The statement also indicates that these measures have undermined faith and certainty in American chip products.

China is receptive to Sanofi's new project worth US$1 billion in Beijing

The most recent financial commitment from Sanofi in China is set to fund the establishment of a new insulin manufacturing facility in the country's capital.

People from Hong Kong are investing new funds into Japan's thriving hospitality industry. This positive perspective on Japan's hospitality industry is backed by the nation's enhancing economic outlook.

The positive perspective on Japan's hospitality industry is supported by the nation's growing economic outlook. In addition, the country's interest rate at 0.25 percent is among the world's lowest.

Hesai, a Chinese manufacturer of lidar sensors, remains determined to expand internationally despite electric vehicle tariffs. The company, which creates sensors for autonomous vehicles, is currently evaluating its investment strategies with aims of global reach, according to the Chief Financial Officer.

Hesai Group, the leading global producer of lidar sensors used by numerous intelligent vehicles to survey their environment, maintains its optimism regarding its growth into global markets such as Europe, even amid concerns over potential tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in China.

The firm is evaluating investment strategies beyond mainland China in an effort to lower the cost of its lidar sensors for international clients, according to Andrew Fan, the Chief Financial Officer of the Shanghai-based business, as he informed the Post.

"He stated, "We are committed to broadening our reach internationally." "Hesai aims to establish itself as a global corporation with a presence all over the world."

"Fan stated that thanks to advancements in technology, increased manufacturing output, and effective cost management, lidar sensors have become dependable and cost-effective for consumers. He is confident that as intelligent driving continues to evolve, these components will become increasingly popular among car manufacturers."

Boosting Partners, Enhancing Users: Xiaomi's Continual Open Ecosystem for Applications, Services, and Content

Capitalizing on its distinctive abilities as a smartphone producer, Xiaomi is constructing open ecosystems that encompass applications, games, services, and content.

Through the "Expand with Xiaomi" approach, the company offers all-inclusive solutions to promote user involvement and revenue expansion for its associates.

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In the last ten years, the worldwide smartphone industry has seen an exceptional surge, leading to a broad-scale adoption of mobile internet. Nowadays, about 5.3 billion individuals, which is two-thirds of the global population, have internet access. This shift towards digitization offers a two-fold opportunity: the growing consumer desire for handy, tailored online services, and the chance for developers and brands to leverage this expanding user base to broaden their scope.

Within this vibrant and promising environment, makers of smartphones have emerged as key participants. Leveraging their distinct in-device features, they provide a variety of services that cater to the requirements of users as well as developers, unleashing infinite possibilities for steady expansion and mutual triumph throughout the ecosystem.

Xiaomi, after years of inventive development and tactical expansion, has managed to stay in the top three worldwide smartphone producers for 17 successive quarters. This has solidified its position as a major contender in the mobile internet field. With its wide-ranging device network and HyperOS platform, Xiaomi ensures uninterrupted connectivity in various user situations. As of September 2024, their adaptable operating system caters to 685.8 million monthly active users globally.

During the recent 2025 Xiaomi Internet Partner Conference held in Singapore, Xiaomi presented GetApps, its official app store for international users. The app store is aimed at generating value for both users and developers. GetApps has broadened its scope to more than 100 markets, proudly serving over 260 million active users every month and supporting over 30 million new downloads each day.

In addition to well-known applications, Xiaomi GetApps provides a selection of content, such as brain-teasing games and functional applications, among others. These flourishing sectors within the unrestricted platform serve to meet the unique requirements and tastes of users, while also providing developers with exposure to specific audience groups.

Special Report | Credit Agricole CIB strengthens its growth in Asia from Hong Kong, unfazed by Trump's trade war

The bank boasts significant proficiency in yuan trading, green financing, and infrastructure growth, according to CEO Xavier Musca.

The CEO of the French banking behemoth, Credit Agricole CIB, has confirmed the bank's dedication to leverage Hong Kong as a hub to broaden its operations in Asia. He further indicated that these plans will remain unchanged, despite Donald Trump's intention to initiate a trade conflict with China.

The three main development factors in Hong Kong – the globalization of the yuan, sustainable finance, and infrastructure growth – present significant opportunities for Credit Agricole CIB, given our proficiency in these areas, according to Xavier Musca in a recent exclusive discussion with the Post, during his latest trip to the city.

"Asia possesses a vast reserve of savings, which is highly appealing to Credit Agricole Group in its capacity as a bank and wealth management firm."

He stated that Credit Agricole's growth strategy in Hong Kong and Asia will remain unaffected by the difficulties posed by Trump's re-election, who has promised to levy extra tariffs on products from China.

"China, which holds the position of the world's second largest economy, will persist in its growth and maintain its openness," stated Musca. "Despite the looming threat of a trade conflict, we have no intentions of reducing our operations in China or anywhere else in Asia."

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Trump warns of impending tariffs against China, Canada, Mexico over drug issues on his first day in office.

The lender is attracted to the numerous city infrastructure projects that require financing, a sector where the French lender is an expert. At present, the Hong Kong administration is marketing infrastructure retail bonds worth HK$20 billion (US$2.6 billion) until December 6 to fund several vital infrastructure developments. In the middle of October, the government generated HK$55 billion from Silver Bonds for the identical objective.

Exclusive | Tencent-supported WeDoctor Resumes Hong Kong IPO Strategy, according to insiders

The healthcare platform intends to present its IPO request by the close of December and finish raising funds, potentially totaling up to US$500 million, by June.

WeDoctor, supported by Tencent Holdings, has reignited its intentions to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The firm plans to lodge its application by the close of December and aims to finalize the Initial Public Offering (IPO) by June. Sources close to the situation anticipate that the company seeks to generate between US$400 million and US$500 million.

Speculations in January 2023 indicated that the corporation might resurrect its IPO strategy, but it never came to fruition.

Established in 2010 by Jerry Liao and his crew, WeDoctor functions in various sectors such as healthcare, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. The company intends to separate its healthcare and technology departments. Early investors before the company's initial public offering include HongShan Capital Group, AIA, Hermitage Capital, and CICCFH Investment Management.

In its 2021 prospectus, WeDoctor announced that the majority of its funds would be utilized for the expansion and introduction of additional products within mainland China. The remaining funds are set to be used for research and development, potential investments, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships.

Shares in Hong Kong are climbing due to the rapid increase in China's factory activity as economic stimulus starts to make an impact. The Caixin factory index, which is closely monitored, has grown for two consecutive months, attaining its peak level since June.

The Hang Seng Index saw an increase of up to 1.3 per cent, eventually closing the day with a rise of 0.7 per cent, settling at 19,550.29. The Hang Seng Tech Index also experienced growth, with a 1.2 per cent increase. Over in mainland China, the CSI 300 Index experienced a 0.8 per cent boost, while the Shanghai Composite Index appreciated by 1.1 per cent.

The manufacturer of bottled water, Nongfu Spring, saw an impressive rise of 8.3 per cent, bringing its shares to HK$35.85. Likewise, pharmaceutical company WuXi Biologics experienced a 3.3 per cent increase in its stocks, reaching HK$15.50. Additionally, Galaxy Entertainment, a casino firm, enjoyed a 1.6 per cent growth to HK$35.10, while its competitor Sands China also saw a profit, with stocks increasing by 2.3 per cent to HK$20.

The manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) from Caixin/S&P Global, which gauges the mood of Chinese factory owners, increased to 51.5 in November, up from 50.3 in the prior month. This is the highest level since June. The official PMI, released on Saturday, reached 50.3, surpassing both market expectations and October's figure of 50.1.

"The Hong Kong stock market reacted with caution to the PMI data, as the surge lost momentum rapidly," stated Louis Wong, managing director of Phillip Capital Management.

Insider News | Meituan, a Chinese company, is planning to broaden its food delivery service, Keeta, to more cities in the Middle East, according to sources.

The company's founder and CEO, Wang Xing, indicated last week that they have experienced promising outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Meituan, a leading Chinese food delivery company that runs the Keeta brand in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, plans to increase its presence in additional countries across the Middle East and North Africa, as per information from two individuals close to the situation.

Keeta, which was initiated in the Saudi Arabian city of Al-Kharj in September and has since expanded to the capital, Riyadh, will be accessible in Dammam and Jeddah, two other significant cities in the Gulf country, by the end of the year, according to two sources.

By January 2025, the platform is set to reach Mecca and Medina, the most sacred cities in Islam. According to one source, Keeta intends to extend its coverage to 80% of Saudi Arabia by July 2025.

The company also harbors grand visions for further expansion throughout the Middle East, with a probable extension to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in the upcoming year, according to two sources. Given that the majority of their customer service team is based in Jordan, it is expected that this country will also be targeted for expansion, one source disclosed.

Keeta had contemplated extending their operations to Iraq, however, they recently abandoned this idea due to what they described as "political and safety concerns".

Mao Geping Cosmetics is set to launch in Hong Kong through a US$270 million initial public offering (IPO), reflecting the rise of Chinese beauty brands. The brand's eponymous founder gained fame as a make-up artist who assisted Liu Xiaoqing in portraying an empress aging from 15 to 80 years old in a television series.

Mao Geping Cosmetics, established by a renowned Chinese makeup artist, intends to generate HK$2.1 billion (US$270 million) in the upcoming week through the first-ever stock listing of a Chinese beauty brand in the city.

The cosmetic trailblazer has significantly contributed to the surge in popularity of what is known as C-beauty brands. Mao Geping stands as the sole local competitor in the top 10 luxury beauty companies in China, holding the seventh position in terms of overall retail sales in 2023, boasting a market share of 1.8 per cent, as per Frost & Sullivan's data.

The brand distinguishes itself from its regional rivals by having a higher-end price tag. For instance, its sought-after Light Radiant blush sells for HK$410 at Sephora in Hong Kong.

Mao Geping, the founder, is renowned for his "light and shade" approach that focuses on enhancing certain facial features to change the perceived facial structure. His method of contouring gained widespread recognition across the country when he employed it for the television show, The Empress of China in 1995. His techniques enabled the 40-year-old actress Liu Xiaoqing to convincingly portray a character who ages from 15 to 80 years.

In 1983, Mao completed his studies at the Zhejiang Vocational Academy of Art and subsequently began his career as an opera artist with the Zhejiang Yue Opera Troupe. It was here that he started exploring the art of stage makeup.