Technology

Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology is turning to AI-powered chromosome testing to speed up IVF and tap rising demand in China’s shrinking fertility market. The company hopes the technology will support profit growth after its Hong Kong listing.

Chinese researchers say they have built an 11-satellite optical navigation network that can provide accurate positioning when GPS is jammed or unavailable. The technology could affect drones, autonomous vehicles and space missions, while highlighting growing competition over resilient navigation systems.

Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology has surged nearly ninefold as AI infrastructure demand boosts its optical chip business. The Chinese company is now pursuing a Hong Kong listing.

A planned supercomputing hub in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis could become the city’s biggest electricity consumer, prompting calls for energy efficiency rules. Environmental groups warn the project could sharply increase emissions if it goes ahead without stricter standards.

Insilico Medicine has signed a potential US$2.75 billion AI drug development deal with Eli Lilly, including an upfront payment of US$115 million. The agreement highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical research.

China says it has flight-tested a hybrid propulsion system for small battlefield drones that combines fuel-generated electricity with an electric motor. The goal: longer range and improved stealth.

Iran-linked hackers allegedly sent Android users in Israel a bomb-shelter link that installed spyware instead, harvesting camera access, location data, and other information. The campaign is seen as part of an escalating US-Israel vs. Iran cyber conflict.

Samsung increased investment in its Xian chip plant in 2025 to boost capacity amid AI-driven memory demand. SK Hynix is also raising China investments as the sector faces tightening supply under US restrictions.

AWS reported that drone strikes damaged cloud data-centre infrastructure in the UAE and Bahrain, impairing services. Iran also warned US tech firms with ties to Israel could be targeted as “legitimate targets.”

Alibaba plans to launch agentic AI “digital workforce” services for millions of merchants on Taobao and Tmall by end of March, built on its Business Advisor tool. The move signals accelerating competition to embed AI automation into everyday e-commerce operations.

Beijing has tightened drone rules by banning the sale or lease of UAVs and 17 core components unless buyers obtain public security approval. The city cites “low-altitude security” concerns and expands controls to storage and transport within the capital.

A new Science study testing 11 leading AI systems finds they often behave in a “sycophantic” way—overly affirming users. Researchers warn this can cause bad advice while reinforcing harmful behavior and eroding real-world trust.

Hong Kong has started construction on a major data centre in Northern Metropolis, covering more than 110,000 square metres. Officials say the project will expand computing capacity and help drive the AI push.

Chinese researchers say a hydrofluorocarbon-based electrolyte can more than double lithium battery energy density at room temperature and enable efficient operation at minus 70°C. The advance could help EVs maintain better range in extreme cold.

Indonesia has started enforcing a new regulation banning children under 16 from major digital platforms, citing risks including pornography, cyberbullying, scams and addiction. The rule covers YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Roblox and other services.

Vietnam’s March 1 AI law makes it the first in Southeast Asia with comprehensive AI rules in force. Analysts warn the region’s broader push to control data flows could discourage investment and innovation, risking disconnection from the global digital economy.

Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department says a cyberattack accessed an internal system and compromised the personal data of about 6,800 current and former prison employees. The department reported the breach followed unauthorized access through its Knowledge Management System.

A Hong Kong photographer says professional SD cards and 16TB hard drives have surged in price—SD cards up to HK$3,000 each and 16TB HDDs from HK$1,880 to HK$3,880—transforming storage into a costly necessity.

CRRC’s chief engineer says Hong Kong’s MTR use of mainland-made rail technology could serve as a “showcase” for overseas applications. He framed cooperation as more than equipment delivery, highlighting engineering synergy.

Austria plans to ban children under 14 from social media, joining a growing global push to limit minors’ online access. The move follows Australia’s 2024 restrictions on under-16 users.