Even as hiring sentiment across Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME) moderated in Q3 2026, employers continue to indicate a willingness to pay a premium for skills including AI literacy as well as communication, collaboration, and teamwork, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.

The survey of 13,168 employers across 11 APME countries and territories found that 43% of employers plan to increase headcount in the coming quarter, 15% anticipate a decrease in staffing levels, while 41% expect no change. This results in a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +28%, down 10 points from Q2 2026, while remaining unchanged year over year.

Hiring sentiment across APME markets eased in Q3, with most reporting quarteronquarter declines. China (+4) and Türkiye (+1) were the only markets to record quarteronquarter  improvements. Despite a 20point decrease from the previous quarter, India (+48%) continues to report the strongest hiring outlook in the region, and globally, followed by China (+33%) and Vietnam (+28%). At the other end of the spectrum, hiring sentiment is weakest in markets including Hong Kong (9%), Japan (+1%), and Singapore (+13%).

“The broad moderation in hiring sentiment across the region reflects a far more complex operating environment in Q3, shaped by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising cost pressures,” said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup. “These forces are affecting markets unevenly, dampening confidence in more trade and energyexposed economies, while growth markets with strong domestic demand and technology momentum show relative resilience. Even so, employers are taking a more cautious approach to hiring as the downstream effects of higher energy and operating costs continue to unfold.”

Skills Employers Are Investing In

Beyond hiring intentions, the survey examined which technical and interpersonal skills employers are willing to pay a premium for in the coming quarter, highlighting where organizations are concentrating their talent investment.

AIrelated capabilities lead technical skills demand. More than twothirds (69%) of employers in APME report being willing to pay a premium for AI literacy skills, while 68% cite AI model and application development skills. This is followed by sales and marketing skills (66%), and traditional IT and data skills (64%).

Across markets in the region, AI literacy is the top technical capability employers in Singapore (66%) and Vietnam (83%) are willing to pay a premium for, while AI model and application development ranks as the leading skill in India (84%), China (73%), Hong Kong (67%), and Israel (69%). 

When it comes to soft skills, employers are most willing to pay a premium for communication, collaboration, and teamwork (74%), and critical thinking and problemsolving (71%), closely followed by adaptability and willingness to learn (70%), professionalism and work ethic (70%), and time management and prioritization (68%). 

“Employers across the region are investing their hiring budgets with intent, prioritizing skills that drive impact today and strengthen competitiveness tomorrow. AI capability, from everyday literacy to advanced model and application development, is crucial, but its true value is realized when combined with strong human skills such as collaboration, problemsolving, and adaptability. This reinforces the importance of a humanfirst, digitalalways approach—centering workforce strategy on people, while leveraging technology to meet immediate business needs now and prepare organizations for what comes next,” Lançon said.

To view the complete results for the Q3 2026 ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, including regional and country data, visit: https://www.manpowerthailand.com/en/meos

Vision Lab, a San Francisco-based startup led by a Thai MIT graduate, has raised $6M in funding from leading Silicon Valley investors. The company is now expanding its global network of factory partners to help build the data infrastructure needed for the next generation of industrial robots.

Robots are getting smarter, but before they can work effectively in factories, they need to learn from real people performing real tasks. Like an apprentice, a robot can learn by observing a technician tighten a bolt, sort parts, or operate a machine.

The challenge is that there is still very little industrial data available for training robotics systems. While large language models were built on internet-scale datasets, no equivalent dataset exists for physical work inside factories. 

Vision Lab helps bridge that gap. The company partners with manufacturers to capture and structure operational knowledge into datasets used by frontier AI labs and robotics companies. The startup counts three of the Magnificent Seven technology companies among its clients. 

Today, Vision Lab works with more than 2,000 factories across Asia and Africa, mainly in China and India, and is looking to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia. 

"Factories represent where a large share of future robots will be deployed, yet industrial environments remain vastly underrepresented in existing datasets," said James Kujareevanich, CEO of Vision Lab and former McKinsey consultant.

James later attended MIT, where he met his co-founder, an MIT PhD researcher. Together, they founded Vision Lab to address one of the biggest bottlenecks facing physical AI: access to high-quality, real-world training data.

How Partner Factories Benefit

Vision Lab collaborates with manufacturing partners to collect data from real production activities, capturing video and operational workflows from factory floors to support the development of robotics foundation models.

To date, participating factories have collectively earned more than $1 million in data licensing revenue through the program. Participation is designed to have minimal impact on normal factory operations, allowing manufacturers to contribute safely and efficiently.

Beyond generating additional revenue, the partnership also creates an opportunity for factories to become among the first to gain access to emerging AI robotics technologies as they move from research into real-world deployment.

"We are not just building a data layer," James added. "Our long-term goal is to help robotics systems operate reliably in real production environments while making automation more accessible to manufacturers around the world."

About Vision Lab

Vision Lab provides real-world industrial data to leading AI labs and robotics companies. Founded by researchers from MIT and Stanford alongside operators from McKinsey and BCG, the company is headquartered in San Francisco.

Manufacturers interested in joining the Vision Lab partner network can generate additional revenue while gaining early access to the future of industrial robotics. For more information, contact founders@thevisionlab.ai.

Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) has been selected as the only institution from Thailand for the Future Universities Alliance’s inaugural Innovation Sandbox, a 12-month global peer-learning program incubated at Duke University to share breakthrough educational models and drive real change in higher education worldwide.

CSII will participate under the “Amplifying Signature Innovations” pathway, which is designed for institutions with mature, high-impact innovations seeking to expand their reach beyond their home institution. 

Through the Innovation Sandbox, CSII will contribute insights from the development of the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii), Chulalongkorn University’s interdisciplinary international program that integrates innovation, entrepreneurship, project-based learning, industry collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. Since its founding in 2018, CSII has nurtured over 30 student-led startups, building a strong track record of venture creation and impact.

“CSII represents a new hope for higher education in Thailand and the region. Being selected for the Future Universities Alliance’s inaugural Innovation Sandbox opens a new chapter where we look forward to seeing how that hope can grow and inspire change on a global scale,” said Professor Dr. Suchada Sukrong, Executive Director, Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation.

As Chulalongkorn University’s sandbox for integrated innovation education, CSII has piloted new approaches to interdisciplinary, venture-oriented, and industry-engaged learning. Its participation in the Innovation Sandbox reflects the School’s continued commitment to advancing higher education models that prepare students to address complex global challenges.

“This selection reflects CSII’s role as Chulalongkorn University’s platform for innovation in higher education, preparing learners not only for careers, but for life and wise contributions to society,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcha Thawesaengskulthai, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor, Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation.

The Innovation Sandbox brings participating institutions together around active challenges in higher education innovation. As Thailand’s only representative in the inaugural cohort, CSII joins institutions from Australia, Botswana, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Higher education is not short of innovation, but it is short of the structures needed to connect that innovation, help it travel, and make it durable. The Innovation Sandbox is our answer to that gap. We are pleased to convene this inaugural cohort and grateful for the trust these institutions have placed in one another to work together in this Alliance,” said Noah Pickus, Founder, Future Universities Alliance and Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships, Duke University.

CSII will engage in monthly facilitated small-group sessions, structured milestone meetings, and the Alliance Global Summit in Durham, North Carolina, United States, from October 3 to 5, 2026. The program runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

More information about the Future Universities Alliance and the full list of participating institutions is available at futureuniversities.org

The panel brought together leading venture capitalists, investors, and ecosystem builders from across the region, including:

Moderator
Xu Heqian, Senior Editor, Caixin Media

Speakers
• Harmender Singh, VP, Group Business Development and Innovation Advisory
• Oranuch (mimee) Lerdsuwankij, Founder & CEO, Techsauce (Thailand)
• Helen Wong, Managing Partner, AC Ventures 
• James Tan, Managing Partner, Quest Ventures

For many years, Southeast Asia was largely viewed as an emerging market or a low-cost manufacturing hub. The region experienced multiple waves of technological growth - from the rise of e-commerce and the startup boom that produced numerous unicorns, to the more recent funding winter.

Today, however, Southeast Asia is entering a new phase with a far more strategic role in the global innovation landscape.

The region is increasingly becoming a critical innovation corridor - a bridge connecting the flow of capital, technology, talent, and ideas across different parts of the world. As companies and investors seek stable, neutral, and growth-oriented markets, Southeast Asia is emerging as a natural destination.

What makes this corridor particularly interesting is its diversity. Multiple languages, cultures, regulatory environments, and levels of economic development create complexity, but that complexity has become a competitive advantage. Entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are often forced to think beyond national borders from day one.

Think Regional from Day One.
Companies that succeed across such diverse markets tend to develop resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty - qualities that are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s rapidly changing world.

Another important lesson is the value of learning from faster-moving markets, particularly China. In many ways, China serves as one of the world’s largest innovation laboratories. New consumer behaviors, business models, and technologies often emerge there first before gradually spreading across Southeast Asia over the following four to five years.

Recognizing these signals early gives both businesses and policymakers a significant advantage in preparing for the future.

Looking ahead, AI will likely be the most important catalyst of transformation. The rise of open models is democratizing access to advanced technologies, allowing countries and organizations to fine-tune models and build solutions tailored to local needs without having to compete directly with global technology giants.

The challenge today is not merely about providing access to AI technologies or growing the number of AI users. It is about fostering the right environment where entrepreneurs, corporations, and innovators can turn real-world problems into scalable AI-powered businesses.

Innovation thrives when there are real users, opportunities to experiment, and markets willing to adopt new solutions. Together, these elements create an Innovation Flywheel - a self-reinforcing cycle that continuously develops entrepreneurs, technologies, talent, and intellectual property.

At the center of this transformation is human capital development.
This starts with building AI literacy across society and extends to nurturing AI builders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators who can transform knowledge into products, companies, and meaningful impact.
One of Southeast Asia’s most promising opportunities is to become a Smart Integrator - leveraging the flow of global innovation passing through this corridor and transforming it into tailored solutions for industries where the region already possesses strong competitive advantages.

Areas such as healthcare, tourism, food, and agriculture offer tremendous opportunities for AI-driven innovation.

The ultimate goal is not merely to adopt technology, but to become an ecosystem builder in these specialized sectors.

If successful, countries across the region will not only benefit from global technological shifts but also create their own tacit knowledge, generate new economic value, and build sustainable ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology builders for decades to come. To make this vision a reality, we need clear indicators of progress:

• The number of AI builders and innovators successfully creating products and businesses
• The ability to develop, attract, and retain world-class talent
• The quantity and quality of solutions and intellectual property addressing real economic challenges
• The ability of innovations to scale across Southeast Asia and beyond

The future of Southeast Asia may not lie in becoming the next global technology superpower. Instead, it may lie in becoming the world’s most effective innovation corridor - where talent, capital, technology, and ideas converge to create the next generation of economic growth and innovation.

A team of undergraduate students from the School of Information Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), competing under the name "SIGKILL," has won First Prize in the Computing Track at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2025-2026, held from June 2 to 5, 2026, at Huawei's headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

The achievement marks the culmination of a year-long journey. Team SIGKILL had to clear three stages of selection, advancing from the national level, through the Asia-Pacific regional level, all the way to the global stage that brought together the best 177 teams from 49 countries and regions worldwide. The Closing & Awards Ceremony was held on June 5, 2026.

Where First Prize Stands on the Global Stage

The Huawei ICT Competition is an annual event in information and communication technology (ICT) that Huawei organizes for students and faculty from universities around the world.

At the Global Final, the main awards are ranked from the Grand Prize, the highest honor in each track, followed by First Prize, Second Prize, and Third Prize. There are also special awards such as the Green Development Award for work that applies technology toward sustainability, and the Women in Tech Award for outstanding female participants.

This year, the Grand Prize went to 18 teams from 8 countries: China, Nigeria, Singapore, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. Team SIGKILL's First Prize in the Computing Track, the tier immediately below the Grand Prize, therefore places the Thai team among the world's top performers in this track, competing against rivals who advanced through an intensely selective process from hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide.

A Three-Stage Climb to Shenzhen

The Practice Competition, which includes the Computing Track, follows a four-round selection structure: the National Preliminary, the National Final, the Regional Final, and the Global Final. In simpler terms, teams climb through three major stages, from the national level (which has two sub-rounds), to the regional level, and finally to the global level.

Team SIGKILL's journey began at the national level in November 2025, where the team won First Prize in the Computing Track at the national stage. That result earned them the right to represent Thailand in the regional round.

At the Asia-Pacific Regional Final, held from May 12 to 14, 2026, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, and co-organized by Huawei and the ASEAN Foundation, Team SIGKILL won First Runner-up among students from more than 13 countries in the region. This result secured their place as the Asia-Pacific representative heading to the final round in Shenzhen.

And it was in Shenzhen that the Thai team closed out their entire journey with First Prize in the Computing Track at the global level.

Who Is Team SIGKILL

Team SIGKILL consists of three undergraduate students from the School of Information Technology, KMITL:

1. Mr. Peeranat Madsor, 4th-year student, Information Technology major
2. Mr. Jarukitti Sripaploen, 4th-year student, Information Technology major
3. Mr. Teepda Chuenprempreed, 2nd-year student, Information Technology major

Throughout the competition, the team was mentored and advised by three faculty members from the School of Information Technology: Associate Professor Dr. Chotipat Pornwanlai, Assistant Professor Dr. Sumet Prabhavat, and Assistant Professor Dr. Laphat Praditthasanee.

Huawei ICT Competition: A Stage That Grows Every Year

The Huawei ICT Competition was first held in 2015, and this year marks its 10th edition, under the theme "Connection, Glory, Future." The competition gives students and faculty a platform to sharpen their ICT knowledge, develop hands-on skills, and build their ability to innovate with the latest technologies and platforms.

In terms of scale, this 10th edition drew more than 220,000 students and faculty from over 2,000 institutions in more than 100 countries and regions, the largest edition in the competition's history. Cumulatively, across all 10 editions, the competition has attracted more than 1.18 million student participants worldwide.

For this year's Global Final, 177 teams from 49 countries and regions advanced and received awards, competing across three main tracks: Practice, Innovation, and Programming. That the Thai team went the distance and brought home an award stands as testament to the capability of Thai students on the international technology stage.

What the Computing Track Involves

The Practice Competition that Team SIGKILL entered is divided into four sub-tracks: the Network Track, the Cloud Track, the Computing Track, and the Ascend AI Track (artificial intelligence on Huawei's Ascend chips, available only in the Chinese mainland).

The Computing Track, in which the Thai team won, assesses both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in computing, through written exams and lab exams. Participants must be fluent in the relevant technical theories and experiments, and they are ranked by their exam scores. The intensity of this track lies in the need to master both principles and practical execution under pressure.

Team SIGKILL's success shows that Thailand's cultivation of ICT talent can compete at the global level, and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of students to step out and test their skills on the international stage.

Strategic investment from Taiwan and Thailand strengthens Arincare’s position as Thailand’s leading pharmacy ecosystem platform and marks a significant milestone for the country’s HealthTech ecosystem

Arincare, Thailand’s leading pharmacy management and healthcare ecosystem platform, today announced the successful completion of its Series B+ funding round led by Taiwania Hive Ventures, with participation from follow-on investors from Taiwan including Cathay Ventures and MyTrex Health Technologies, alongside Thailand-based investors InnoSpace Thailand and SSN.

The new funding marks an important milestone in Arincare’s growth journey and reflects growing international confidence in Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and healthcare technology sector.

Founded with the vision of empowering pharmacies through technology and data, Arincare has grown into Thailand’s largest pharmacy management and ecosystem platform, serving more than 6,000 registered pharmacies and supporting over 12,000 pharmacists nationwide on a daily basis.

Over the past decade, Arincare has also established itself as one of the most trusted brands within Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry, helping bridge pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, leading healthcare brands, and pharmacies nationwide through an integrated technology and healthcare ecosystem.

Proceeds from the funding round will be used to strengthen the company’s technology platform, expand ecosystem capabilities, enhance AI and analytics infrastructure, improve operational scalability, and accelerate strategic partnerships across the healthcare value chain.

Over the past decade, Arincare has become more than a technology platform. We have become part of the operational backbone supporting thousands of pharmacies and pharmacists across Thailand every day. Building trust in healthcare takes time, and we are proud to have earned credibility across the industry through reliable execution, strong partnerships, and standards that can scale sustainably

Teera Kanokkanjanarat, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arincare said

We see enormous opportunities ahead. As healthcare continues to evolve, we believe technology, data, and ecosystem collaboration will reshape how healthcare is delivered and accessed. We are excited to work closely with partners who share the ambition of creating meaningful impact and growing together. 

The participation of strategic investors from Taiwan is expected to create opportunities for cross-border collaboration across healthcare technology, pharmaceutical innovation, healthcare services, and regional ecosystem development. Taiwan’s healthcare ecosystem has long been recognized for its strengths in medical technology, pharmaceutical innovation, and healthcare infrastructure, creating strong strategic alignment with Arincare’s long-term vision.

This investment also represents an important milestone for Thailand’s startup ecosystem. Beyond supporting Arincare’s next phase of growth, the transaction reflects increasing international confidence in Thai founders, local innovation, and the country’s long-term healthcare opportunities. The participation of international investors through this round also represents meaningful foreign direct investment into a Thailand-based technology company, reinforcing Thailand’s growing role within the regional innovation landscape.

Together with support received across previous funding rounds from leading strategic organizations including Chularat Hospital Group (CHG), Max Ventures , and Nexter Ventures, the venture capital arm of SCG, Arincare continues to strengthen its position as one of Thailand’s leading HealthTech companies and a trusted long-term platform within Thailand’s healthcare ecosystem.

As Arincare enters its next phase of growth, the company remains focused on strengthening technology capabilities, expanding healthcare accessibility, and creating sustainable long-term value across the healthcare ecosystem.

Hsin-fu Huang, Managing partner at Taiwania Hive Ventures said 

The investment in Arincare perfectly echoes our investment theory for the Southeast Asia region. We see immense potential in applying data and AI technology to traditional industries like the pharmacy business - a market that remains largely underserved and ripe for accelerated growth. What makes this investment particularly exciting is the strategic alignment with our partners from Taiwan. This partnership and the resulting synergy will be instrumental in supporting Arincare’s next phase of expansion. 

InnoSpace Thailand is proud to support Arincare as a leading Thai HealthTech company driving digital transformation for community pharmacies. Pharmacies are one of the most accessible healthcare touchpoints for people across Thailand, and Arincare’s platform can help improve efficiency, connectivity, and healthcare access at scale.

Narusan Dhanvarjor, Chief Executive Office & Head of Investment of InnoSpace Thailand said

This investment reflects our commitment to supporting Thai startups with strong technology, real industry impact, and the potential to connect Thailand’s innovation ecosystem with international partners.” 

Mr. Krating Poonpol, Chairman of Disrupt Health Impact Fund, 500 TukTuks Fund and ORZON Ventures, said osteoporosis and osteopenia have emerged as an overlooked global health crisis. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), 21.2% of women aged 50 and over worldwide are affected by osteoporosis, with approximately 500 million people globally living with the disease when both genders are combined. Post-menopausal women are particularly at risk, as falling estrogen levels can lead to bone mass loss of up to 20% within the 5 - 7 years before and after menopause. 

Krating added that the situation is alarming when considering that 75% of all hip fracture patients are women, with mortality rates in the first year after a hip fracture reaching 20 - 24%. Among survivors, more than 40% are unable to walk independently, while another 60% require assistance with daily activities. The IOF further projects that by 2050, the number of women suffering hip fractures worldwide will increase by 240% compared with 1990, in line with the trend toward an aging society, particularly in Asia. These figures reflect both the challenge and the opportunity within the HealthTech industry, especially in the Women's Health and Healthspan segments, which are gaining growing global attention. The investment in Osteoboost aligns with Disrupt Health Impact Fund's vision of identifying world-class DeepTech innovations backed by strong scientific evidence — innovations that address unmet medical needs and can create broad positive impact, particularly in Thailand and across an aging Asia. 

Ms. Naranpat Thitipattakul, Partner of Disrupt Health Impact Fund, said current treatment options for women with osteopenia remain limited to vitamin D, calcium supplements and weight-bearing exercise, while most pharmaceutical treatments are reserved for diagnosed osteoporosis patients and high-risk groups. This leaves post-menopausal women in the transitional stage of osteopenia without preventive options before their condition progresses to full osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Osteoboost directly addresses this critical treatment gap.

“This investment in Osteoboost reflects Disrupt Health Impact Fund's direction in seeking out world-class innovations with strong scientific evidence that address unmet medical needs. Osteoboost's strength lies in being the only medical device cleared by the US FDA for osteopenia. The device works through Precision Vibration Therapy applied to the hip and spine — a technology inspired by NASA research that uses vibration to slow bone density loss in astronauts experiencing microgravity. It is paired with intelligent sensors that ensure the right therapeutic dose of vibration is delivered in every session. Osteoboost is also easy to use, requiring only at least three 30-minute sessions per week, without disrupting daily activities. Importantly, no serious side effects have been reported,” Naranpat said.

Ms. Laura Yecies, Chief Executive Officer of Osteoboost, a serial entrepreneur in the technology industry, said: “Osteoboost's effectiveness has been validated through a Randomized Double-Blinded Sham-Controlled Trial — the highest standard in clinical research — conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, involving 126 post-menopausal women. Participants who used Osteoboost at least three times per week over 12 months experienced an 83% reduction in vertebral bone strength loss, an 85% reduction in vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) loss, and a 55% reduction in hip BMD loss compared with the control group, with no serious side effects. Users also rated the device an average of 3.9 out of 5 for ease of use, reflecting its user-friendly design for everyday life. Osteoboost has been well received in the US market under prescription. Following its launch, the company sold more than 2,000 units within just a few months, prompting us to raise additional capital to scale production in line with market demand.”

“Our partnership with Disrupt Health Impact Fund marks an important step for Osteoboost in expanding into Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, which is fully entering an aging society with a growing number of post-menopausal women. Osteoboost's mission is to create a new option for bone health management that is safe, accessible, and not reliant on medication alone,” Yecies said.

“With Disrupt Health Impact Fund's expertise, network, and in-depth understanding of Thailand's health ecosystem, our innovation can create a positive impact on the quality of life for Thai women and people across the region more quickly and broadly,” she added.

Disrupt Health Impact Fund's initial investment range is approximately 17 - 50 million baht per company, with plans to invest in a total of 15 companies in DeepTech healthcare innovation within three to five years, both in Thailand and overseas. The fund's investment strategy focuses on five core areas: Self Care, Preventive Care, Silver Age, Holistic Wellness and Smart Hospital, prioritizing world-class innovations that are either commercialized or in clinical trial stages seeking FDA approval.

For more information about Disrupt Health Impact Fund: https://www.disruptignite.com/impactfund 

At the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS) in Shanghai, He Tingbo, Chair of Huawei's Scientist Committee and President of its Semiconductor Business Department, delivered a keynote titled "New Semiconductor Path in Practice." 

In her speech, she introduced what the company calls the Tau (τ) Scaling Law, a principle that industry peers have already begun referring to informally as "Her's Law" in a nod to He Tingbo herself.

The problem Huawei faces today is clear. China's semiconductor industry has no access to ASML's EUV machines, which are used to produce the most advanced chip nodes. SMIC, the most capable domestic foundry, can only manage 7nm-class processes. Meanwhile, US and Taiwanese competitors have already moved to 2nm production. The Tau Scaling Law is the answer Huawei has chosen to overcome that constraint.

What Huawei is proposing is a "new law" for semiconductor development. It marks the first time a Chinese company has put forward a scaling law of industry-wide ambition, set against Gordon Moore's Law from 60 years ago.

A New Law That Challenges Moore's Law

Before unpacking the Tau Scaling Law, it helps to revisit Moore's Law itself.

Moore's Law is Gordon Moore's 1965 observation that the number of transistors on a chip would double roughly every two years. It became the principle that drove the semiconductor industry for more than five decades. Every company raced to make transistors smaller and smaller, from 90nm to 45nm to 14nm to 7nm to 3nm.

The problem is that by 2026, further transistor shrinking is reaching the limits of physics. Atomic dimensions impose hard ceilings. The cost per transistor, which used to fall consistently, no longer does. And the complexity of EUV machines means only ASML in the Netherlands can produce them, leaving the entire industry dependent on a single company in a single country.

The Tau Scaling Law proposes a different target. Instead of shrinking dimensions, the goal becomes shrinking time. The variable τ (tau) represents the time constant, which is the signal propagation delay inside a circuit. Put simply, rather than competing to build the smallest transistor, companies should compete to reduce how long a signal takes to travel through a chip.

Huawei's idea may turn out to be a defining moment for the chip industry. Shrinking dimensions requires EUV machines and fabs that cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Shrinking time, by contrast, can be done through architectural design. It is a problem of engineering rather than a problem of machinery.

LogicFolding and the 4 Levels of Co-Optimization

To make the Tau Scaling Law work in practice, Huawei has built a framework it calls "Multi-level Co-optimization," which tunes four layers of the system together to drive τ down as far as possible.

Level 1: Device Level

This is the deepest layer of physics. Huawei says it will optimize the resistance and parasitic capacitance of transistors so that signals travel faster within the device itself. It is a fix at the material and structural levels.

Level 2: Circuit Level

Huawei has introduced a new architecture called LogicFolding, which literally means "folding the logic circuit." The idea is to break the physical boundaries of conventional single-layer circuit layouts and "fold" the circuit upward, shortening the critical paths that signals must travel. This reduces both resistive and capacitive loading. The result is that transistor density and circuit performance increase at the same time.

To picture it, LogicFolding is like folding a sprawling Bangkok street map into a three-dimensional plan. You can travel from Bang Na to Lat Phrao faster, even though the underlying distance hasn't changed.

Level 3: Chip Level

This is where Huawei coordinates software, architecture, and silicon. By using fine-grained, workload-driven control over instruction and data flow, the company aims to boost system-level parallelism and efficiency, and to shorten end-to-end execution time.

Level 4: System Level

This level introduces a new interconnect protocol called UnifiedBus. It is the backbone that allows thousands of AI processors to share memory as if they were inside a single computer, rather than operating as a traditional cluster where each node has its own separate memory.

Systems built on UnifiedBus are called SuperPoDs. A SuperPoD is a massive AI cluster that links large numbers of Ascend NPUs to operate in unison. The flagship Atlas 950 SuperPoD connects up to 8,192 Ascend NPUs. The Atlas 960 SuperPoD, scheduled for 2027, will connect up to 15,488. The goal is to cut the communication latency that has long been the bottleneck of large-scale AI systems.

What is interesting about looking at chips through these four layers is that Huawei does not need to "win" at every level. As long as τ can be reduced at any one of them, the overall result improves. It is a way out of the trap of being forced to rely on EUV alone.

Why Do It Now?

To understand why Huawei is opening this front today, the story has to go back to 2019.

That year, Huawei was placed on the US Entity List. As a result, the company lost access to the world's most advanced manufacturing equipment, especially ASML's EUV machines, which are essential for chips below 7nm. SMIC, Huawei's main foundry partner in China, can only manage its N+3 process, which sits around the 7nm-class level. That is the process behind the current Kirin 9030.

Meanwhile, Apple uses TSMC to produce its A19 chip at 3nm and is already preparing for a 2nm chip. Nvidia and AMD are following the same path. The technological gap between Huawei and the rest of the world has widened every year since.

Huawei announced that over the six years since sanctions began, it has accelerated chip design and mass production, shipping 381 chips that span everything from smartphones to AI data centers — a figure also cited in coverage by Reuters and Nikkei. The company has continued to move forward despite losing access to the most advanced tools.

A 14 Å Target by 2031

The headline target from the keynote is this: by 2031, Huawei's high-end chips designed under the Tau Scaling Law are expected to deliver transistor density equivalent to a 14 Å (1.4nm) process.

The number is striking because 1.4nm is the node TSMC and Samsung are targeting for mass production in 2028. If Huawei delivers on this goal, even three years behind, it would mean catching up with the global leaders while still using significantly older fabs.

The wording matters, though. Huawei is careful to use the phrase "Density Equivalent." It is not claiming to manufacture chips at a true 1.4nm process. The distinction is important. Achieving density equivalence through architectural design, such as LogicFolding's circuit folding, does not require EUV. Manufacturing at a true 1.4nm process, on the other hand, requires machines Huawei cannot access.

The deeper point is that the Tau Scaling Law is making the case that "the density users see" matters more than "the process used to make it." If that view takes hold, Huawei is no longer a follower in the industry. It becomes a maker of standards.

Kirin Fall 2026 Is the First Real Test

Huawei has said its new Kirin chips, due in late 2026, will be the first to use the LogicFolding architecture. That makes them the first product to show the world how effective the Tau Scaling Law really is.

He Tingbo concluded her keynote by saying, "No single company can independently find all the answers along the path of semiconductor evolution... we look forward to working closely with scientists, engineers, and industry partners around the world."

This is an attempt to move the Tau Scaling Law from being a "Huawei-only framework" toward becoming an "industry standard" that other companies might help develop. If Huawei succeeds, it may become the one defining the new direction of the field.

References : Huawei, Nikkei, Reuters

The launch introduced flagship products spanning tablets, smartphones, premium wearables, fitness-focused smartwatches, open-ear audio devices, and a new generation of kids smartwatches, all positioned as part of Huawei’s broader “all-scenario” ecosystem strategy. Executives repeatedly emphasized the idea that technology should “ignite inspiration” and help users “find their spark” through smarter, more personalized experiences. 

HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition Blends Luxury and Smart Technology

One of the standout products at the launch was the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN Spring Edition, Huawei’s first gemstone-embellished smartwatch created in collaboration with renowned jewelry designer Francesca Amfitheatrof, former design director at Tiffany & Co. and former artistic director of watches and jewelry at Louis Vuitton.

Inspired by spring and the Fibonacci sequence, the smartwatch features 99 hand-set natural diamonds, diamond-cut sapphire glass, and a floral-inspired crown with a natural diamond centerpiece. Huawei described the device as combining luxury craftsmanship with intelligent wearable technology.

The smartwatch integrates Huawei’s Multi-Sensing X-Tap and TruSense health monitoring system, enabling users to generate a comprehensive health report covering up to 11 indicators within 60 seconds, including heart health, blood oxygen, stress, respiratory insights, and emotional well-being.

Huawei also emphasized smart features including eSIM calling, payments, app integration, and compatibility across both Android and iOS ecosystems.

Huawei Expands Into Family Wearables With WATCH Kids X1 Series

Huawei also placed strong emphasis on family-oriented technology with the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH Kids X1 Series, led by the HUAWEI WATCH Kids X1 Pro.

The smartwatch features a detachable and rotatable design intended to encourage creativity and exploration among children. It comes equipped with a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, a 5MP 110° ultra-wide front camera, and a 13MP rear camera for video calls, selfies, and photography.

Huawei positioned the device as both a communication and safety companion for families. Features include HD video calls, AI noise cancellation, real-time location tracking, support for more than 30 global frequency bands, and parental monitoring through the FamCare app.

The watch also includes heart rate and emotional well-being monitoring, allowing parents to track children’s activity and wellness remotely.

WATCH FIT 5 Series Targets Fitness and Everyday Lifestyle

Huawei introduced the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro and HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 as smartwatches designed for users seeking a balance of fitness tracking, health management, and fashion-forward design.

The WATCH FIT 5 Pro features a 1.92-inch LTPO AMOLED display with up to 3,000 nits brightness, sapphire glass protection, aerospace-grade titanium alloy materials, and ultra-thin bezels for a near-borderless display.

Huawei also introduced several new sports-focused capabilities including Mini Workout Mode, cycling power estimation, golf course mapping, tennis tracking, advanced trail-running navigation, and third-party sports integrations through its new Workout Service platform.

The company revealed that the WATCH FIT series has surpassed 24 million shipments globally.

GT Runner 2 Focuses on Professional Running Analytics

For dedicated runners and endurance athletes, Huawei unveiled the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 Racing Legend Edition.

The smartwatch introduces a new Running Ability Index (RAI) and Training Camp Dashboard developed with DSM-Firmenich Running Team, providing runners with deeper analytics around performance trends, recovery, and training load.

Huawei said the system also supports TCX and FIT data imports and exports for broader training ecosystem compatibility.

Huawei Expands Audio Lineup With FreeClip 2

Huawei also showcased the HUAWEI FreeClip 2, its latest open-ear wireless earbuds designed to combine comfort, style, and environmental awareness. The earbuds retain Huawei’s signature C-bridge clip-on design and were presented in a new Berry Purple colorway, which Huawei described as a fashion-focused finish designed to “spark your style this summer.”

Huawei positioned the FreeClip 2 as part of its broader connected lifestyle ecosystem, emphasizing lightweight comfort, adaptive audio adjustments, gesture controls, and an open-ear listening experience that allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.

MatePad Pro Max Pushes AI Productivity

Huawei also introduced the HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max, a flagship productivity tablet aimed at creators and professionals.

The tablet measures just 4.7 mm thin and weighs 499 grams for the standard edition, featuring a 13.2-inch flexible OLED 3K display, 144Hz refresh rate, six-speaker audio system, upgraded PaperMatte display technology, and AI-powered WPS Office tools.

Huawei additionally showcased AI handwriting enhancement, AI-generated presentation tools, collaborative editing capabilities, and support for the Huawei Glide Keyboard and M-Pencil Pro.

nova 15 Max Brings Massive Battery and AI Photography

Huawei rounded out the launch with the HUAWEI nova 15 Max, targeting younger consumers focused on photography, entertainment, and battery life.

The smartphone includes a 50MP RYYB camera system, AI Best Expression photography, a 6.84-inch OLED display, Wi-Fi 7 support, stereo speakers, and what Huawei described as the largest battery ever included in a Huawei smartphone at 8,500mAh.

The device also features SGS-certified drop resistance, water resistance, customizable X-button shortcuts, and reverse charging support.

Huawei Strengthens Its Connected Ecosystem Strategy

Beyond the headline launches, Huawei also showcased products introduced earlier in 2026, including the HUAWEI FreeClip 2, HUAWEI Mate X7, HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, and HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra.

Huawei also announced a public pop-up showcase at Siam Paragon in Bangkok from May 7–10, allowing visitors to experience the new devices through interactive demonstrations, workshops, and photography exhibitions.

Closing the event, Huawei Consumer Business Group CMO Alex Huang said the company aims to help users “find their spark” through connected technologies that support creativity, wellness, productivity, and self-expression.

With Melioidosis (Soil Fever) cases on the rise and a growing number of fatalities reported across Thailand, the nation’s public health system is facing a critical challenge in managing this "silent killer." Often misdiagnosed or detected too late, the infection requires urgent intervention.

In a major healthcare breakthrough, a research team from Mahidol University has developed the MUTM Melioidosis Antibody Test. This innovative rapid test kit delivers results within 15 minutes with over 95% accuracy. The university has announced its readiness to distribute the kits to hospitals nationwide, directly addressing the primary cause of mortality: delayed diagnosis.

What is Melioidosis? 

Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and water—particularly in agricultural areas like rice paddies.

The danger lies in its symptoms; in the early stages, it often mimics a common flu, leading many patients to seek treatment only when the condition has become severe. This delay significantly increases the risk of complications and death. 

Currently, the disease is seeing a spike in cases among farmers and those in frequent contact with soil. Health officials advise that anyone experiencing a high fever for more than two days, chills, fatigue, or infected wounds should seek medical attention immediately and disclose their exposure history.

The Critical Time Trap 

Prof. Dr. Narisara Chantratita of The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, emphasizes that the biggest hurdle isn't just the severity of the bacteria, but the time gap between testing and survival.

Critical patients can succumb to the infection within the first 48 hours, yet standard bacterial culture methods typically take 3 to 7 days. This means many patients do not receive the correct antibiotics in time.

"Many cases simply cannot afford to wait for lab results. This is the critical gap that leads to loss of life," says Prof. Dr. Narisara 

15 Minutes to Save Lives

95% Accuracy To close this gap, the research team developed the MUTM Melioidosis Antibody Test. Key features include:

• Speed: Results in 10–15 minutes.
• Precision: Over 95% accuracy for preliminary screening.
• Early Intervention: Allows physicians to prescribe specific antibiotics immediately before symptoms escalate.

In the fight against Melioidosis, speed is not just a convenience—it is the difference between life and death.

Decentralized Diagnostics

Reaching Community Hospitals This innovation marks a significant shift toward Decentralized Diagnostics. Prof. Dr. Narisara points out that the kit enables community hospitals to perform on-site testing without the need to send samples to major centers.

This ensures that citizens in remote areas have access to the same diagnostic standards as those in major cities. "We aren't just creating a test kit; we are creating healthcare equity," she added.

Mahidol x Sierra: Ready for Commercial Scale

The MUTM Melioidosis Antibody Test is now officially ready for medical use. It is available for order by public and private hospitals, clinics, and health units nationwide. The production and distribution are managed through a strategic partnership between Mahidol University and Sierra.

The product is launched under the "Mahidol Collection"—a brand certifying innovations from the university. The project was propelled into the commercial market by the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (INT) at Mahidol University, acting as an "Innovation Gateway" to connect academic research with the private sector for large-scale social impact.