OpenAI has hired Peter Steinberger, founder of open-source AI agent OpenClaw, signalling a strategic shift toward autonomous personal AI agents as a core product focus.
Joseph Liow, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said in a recent public lecture that technology is no longer merely an engine of economic growth but has become a core instrument in great-power competition. For Taiwan, which sits at the center of the semiconductor industry and global supply chains, Liow said the rules of competition have fundamentally changed.
ByteDance has officially launched Doubao 2.0, a next-generation AI family that promises GPT-level intelligence at a disruptive price point. However, the celebration was short-lived as Hollywood giants, led by Disney, immediately filed a legal strike against the platform for what they call a "virtual smash-and-grab" of copyrighted characters.
Shihlin Electric is entering 2026 with strong operating momentum, supported by accelerated contract releases under Taipower's grid resilience program and surging demand linked to AI semiconductor fab construction.
China's leading large model developers are accelerating flagship releases, while domestic AI chipmakers are responding almost simultaneously, announcing Day-0 adaptation and optimization as soon as new models are introduced.
As geopolitical dynamics shift, Singapore has emerged as a focal point for Taiwanese and international investment, underpinned by its stable financial system and neutral political stance. The city-state offers distinct advantages for established companies, startups, and mobile talent, though it maintains rigorous standards for entry and operation.
Cisco Systems forecast quarterly gross margins below market expectations, citing higher memory chip costs. The weaker margin outlook overshadowed stronger-than-expected results and sent shares down about 7% in extended trading.
Ahead of the Lunar New Year, Chinese AI startup Z.ai (formerly Zhipu AI) released its open-source model GLM-5, highlighting AI agent capabilities and coding performance. The company said the user experience is "approaching Anthropic Claude Opus 4.5."
