All-in on AI increasingly a biz decision
The report said 46 percent of surveyed Chinese companies are using generative AI at scale, and embedding this cutting-edge technology into a slew of complex scenarios including research and development, design, manufacturing and supply chain management.
The report found that Chinese companies have made great strides over the past year in strengthening their key digital capabilities, with 33 percent of interviewed firms recognizing that the integration of AI and cloud can drive product and service innovation.
Moreover, 53 percent of Chinese companies are using AI to connect and integrate multiple business processes — 11 percentage points higher than the global average level. They are also investing in cloud and cybersecurity as 58 percent of polled enterprises said they are able to quickly update security strategies and tools.
Although Chinese companies are accelerating the adoption of AI, only 9 percent are realizing significant improvements in terms of productivity, revenue and profitability from leveraging the technology, the report said.
This is the eighth consecutive year that Accenture has traced the digital transformation journey of Chinese companies. The study surveyed more than 160 firms in seven sectors this year — high-tech manufacturing, automotive, engineering machinery, consumer goods, retail, chemicals and new energy.
While Chinese companies are increasing investment in technological innovation to enhance their competitiveness amid uncertainties, they need to further harness the power of digital technologies to elevate operational efficiency and tackle challenges from growth pressure and global expansion, Accenture said.
Samantha Zhu, chairperson of Accenture Greater China, said against the backdrop of accelerated changes in the global economic landscape, and mounting volatility and uncertainties, it is vital for Chinese companies to concentrate on innovation and speed up digital transformation, so as to achieve high-quality growth.
"We can clearly see that leading companies have greater resilience in addressing various challenges, thus giving them an edge in adapting to the AI era. In the new wave of technological and business evolution, companies need to take holistic approaches to truly build strong resilience and capabilities, from organizational architecture and working models to governance," Zhu said.
Yu Yi, technology lead at Accenture Greater China, said as innovation emerges as the main force driving business growth, the proportion of Chinese companies that step up investment and promote the application of AI across a wide range of sectors is rising dramatically.
The report suggested that enterprises should systematically integrate AI into their commercial models, strategic decisions and business processes, while optimizing supply chains and utilizing AI to achieve real-time monitoring and rapid decision-making to optimize the allocation of resources.
Pan Helin, a member of the Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy, which is part of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the rapid adoption of digital technologies represented by AI will inject fresh impetus into the country's economic growth and speed up digital and intelligent upgrades in enterprises.
Noting that some Chinese enterprises are facing mounting difficulties in the process of digital transformation — such as budgetary shortfalls and inadequate skills training — Pan said these companies should devise long-term plans for digital transformation and continuously pour money into this field.
Li Haitao, dean of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in Beijing, said AI is profoundly reshaping the business landscape and is bound to transform various industries.
Li said China boasts a large number of well-educated engineering talent and AI professionals, improved digital infrastructure such as 5G and computing networks, massive amounts of data and ever-increasing innovation capabilities, which provide a solid foundation for the training and adoption of AI models. - China Daily/ANN
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New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Risks remain for exporters even with tariff cut
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's successful negotiation to reduce the reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States (US) on its exports to 19 per cent from 25 per cent is seen as a strategic step forward, placing the country on equal footing with major Asean peers while preserving key domestic policy priorities. While the new tariff rate did not eliminate trade hurdles, it marked a meaningful improvement compared to the earlier 25 per cent proposal and underscored Malaysia's ability to defend its sovereign economic direction in the face of international pressure. Still, economists cautioned that the relief is temporary and layered with risk. With the US being Malaysia's largest export market, accounting for RM198.65 billion in 2024, economic strain, particularly on manufacturers and small and medium enterprises, might intensify if broader reforms stall. "The tariff may shave off growth, primarily through reduced exports. However, resilient domestic demand such as consumer spending, infrastructure projects and pre-emptive rate cuts by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) provide buffers," Centre for Market Education chief executive Alvin Desfiandi told Bernama in an interview. Alvin said BNM's pre-emptive recent rate cut, which was the first in five years, supported Malaysia's economic growth but risked currency depreciation if US rates stay high. He noted that further easing might be necessary if growth fell below 4.0 per cent, but any spike in inflation above 3.0 per cent could limit that flexibility. "Thus, BNM should maintain flexibility for further rate cuts if growth falters, but anchor inflation at 2.0-3.0 per cent," he added. Meanwhile, Alvin believed Malaysia is entering the period of recalibration from a position of relative strength. "Malaysia's economy is navigating tariffs from a position of strength, with BNM's gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for 2025 already pricing in moderate disruption. The focus now shifts to industrial upgrades and market diversification to sustain growth beyond 2025," he added. However, Alvin opined that short-term fallout is difficult to avoid as the 19 per cent tariff would directly impact Malaysia's competitiveness in the US market, especially in key sectors like electronics and semiconductors. "The 19 per cent tariff will raise costs for US buyers, potentially reducing export volumes. This may create a domino effect that will negatively affect investment sentiment and currency movements," he said. Alvin said that tariff exposure would be highest in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, squeezing already-tight profit margins for local manufacturers. He said that Malaysia's reliance on Chinese components further complicated its position under Washington's stricter rules of origin. "Tariffs will highly expose the electronics and semiconductors industry, squeezing margins for manufacturers," he said. The risk of tariff stacking, where goods containing Chinese components are penalised under multiple jurisdictions, adds to exporters' cost pressures, potentially eroding Malaysia's competitiveness even without direct involvement in transhipment. "Since Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) aims to offset losses by moving into high-value chips and attracting US foreign direct investment (FDI), the government may provide emergency grants for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore new markets," the economist added. Beyond immediate mitigation, Alvin urged Malaysia to convert tariff pressure into opportunity and highlighted the importance of adopting a "tech-for-market access" strategy, trading supply chain transparency for stable US tariffs on semiconductor inputs. The economist said that the need to build green industrial alliances with the US in electric vehicle battery and renewable energy sectors is equally important, with Malaysia serving as a strategic Asean gateway. Moreover, he said Malaysia should also aim to lead on digital rulemaking by co-developing Asean standards in financial technology (fintech) and digital trade with the US. "The country should trade supply chain transparency for stable US market access in semiconductors, form joint green industrial alliances in electric vehicles and renewables, and take the lead in digital rulemaking through US-Malaysia fintech partnerships," he said. Alvin noted that this approach may transform tariffs into a catalyst for high-value FDI diversification, with the October Asean Summit offering a critical platform to lock in sectoral bargains. By conceding tactically on processes such as certifications and monitoring while holding firm on policy sovereignty, he said Malaysia might retain negotiating credibility for future bilateral agreements. Alvin also cited Malaysia Aviation Group's US$19 billion (US$1 = RM4.27) Boeing aircraft procurement as a symbolic but limited tool for rebalancing trade ties with Washington. "The Boeing procurement offers moderate deficit relief and symbolic leverage in tariff talks but cannot single-handedly rebalance trade or guarantee future concessions," he added. Its real value, Alvin said, was in demonstrating diplomatic pragmatism, aligned industrial strategy, and readiness to engage the US without surrendering sovereignty. Meanwhile, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams welcomed the tariff reduction but warned that it still presented significant risks for Malaysia's trade-dependent economy. "A potential 10 per cent drop in exports to the US could cost RM20 billion annually. This underlines the urgency for structural reforms and export diversification," he added. Williams said Malaysia must avoid over-relying on short-term measures or blanket support policies. "Redirecting fiscal savings to indiscriminate bailouts would be politically and economically unwise," he said, adding that businesses should double down on automation, supply chain resilience, and long-term competitiveness. Williams added that the current outcome reinforced the need for Malaysia to fully implement its reform blueprints under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). "It's a reminder that domestic competitiveness must be earned," he said, adding that further negotiations with Washington would be necessary to secure improved tariff terms over time. Alvin concurred that Malaysia's dual-track strategy, namely balancing critical interdependence with the US while engaging its Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and BRICS partners, would define its long-term trajectory. He added that the 19 per cent tariffs would consolidate ASEAN unity in the short term, with Malaysia's October summit testing whether economic diplomacy could extract US compromises such as semiconductor exemptions. "However, the longer-term trend is clear: ASEAN will reduce US dependence through RCEP integration and non-Western partnerships. If Trump offers no concessions in October, expect accelerated ASEAN+BRICS cooperation, a tacit admission that the US market is no longer worth sovereignty trade-offs," he said. Alvin pointed out that, ultimately, the shift to a 19 per cent tariff level marked the end of Malaysia's low-cost FDI model but opened a new window for high-value investment if reforms hold. "The tariff parity ends Malaysia's low-cost FDI model but accelerates its transition to high-value niches," he added. With approved investments reaching RM378.5 billion in 2024, both economists agreed that Malaysia has shown resilience and policy clarity. The challenge now is to lock in long-term investor confidence through the execution of New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), supply chain repositioning, and bloc-wide diplomacy. Since April, Malaysia has been negotiating with Washington to reduce the previous 24 per cent tariff rate. The Malaysia-US tariff negotiations officially began on May 6 and concluded on July 31, 2025, resulting in a recalibrated 19 per cent tariff rate that now positions Malaysia in alignment with key ASEAN peers such as Thailand and Indonesia. - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's successful tariff negotiation seen as strategic step forward
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's successful negotiation to reduce the reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States (US) on its exports to 19 per cent from 25 per cent is seen as a strategic step forward, placing the country on equal footing with major ASEAN peers while preserving key domestic policy priorities. While the new tariff rate did not eliminate trade hurdles, it marked a meaningful improvement compared to the earlier 25 per cent proposal and underscored Malaysia's ability to defend its sovereign economic direction in the face of international pressure. Still, economists cautioned that the relief is temporary and layered with risk. With the US being Malaysia's largest export market, accounting for RM198.65 billion in 2024, economic strain, particularly on manufacturers and small and medium enterprises, might intensify if broader reforms stall. "The tariff may shave off growth, primarily through reduced exports. However, resilient domestic demand such as consumer spending, infrastructure projects and pre-emptive rate cuts by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) provide buffers," Centre for Market Education chief executive Alvin Desfiandi told Bernama in an interview. Alvin said BNM's pre-emptive recent rate cut, which was the first in five years, supported Malaysia's economic growth but risked currency depreciation if US rates stay high. He noted that further easing might be necessary if growth fell below 4.0 per cent, but any spike in inflation above 3.0 per cent could limit that flexibility. "Thus, BNM should maintain flexibility for further rate cuts if growth falters, but anchor inflation at 2.0-3.0 per cent," he added. Meanwhile, Alvin believed Malaysia is entering the period of recalibration from a position of relative strength. "Malaysia's economy is navigating tariffs from a position of strength, with BNM's gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for 2025 already pricing in moderate disruption. The focus now shifts to industrial upgrades and market diversification to sustain growth beyond 2025," he added. However, Alvin opined that short-term fallout is difficult to avoid as the 19 per cent tariff would directly impact Malaysia's competitiveness in the US market, especially in key sectors like electronics and semiconductors. "The 19 per cent tariff will raise costs for US buyers, potentially reducing export volumes. This may create a domino effect that will negatively affect investment sentiment and currency movements," he said. Alvin said that tariff exposure would be highest in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, squeezing already-tight profit margins for local manufacturers. He said that Malaysia's reliance on Chinese components further complicated its position under Washington's stricter rules of origin. "Tariffs will highly expose the electronics and semiconductors industry, squeezing margins for manufacturers," he said. The risk of tariff stacking, where goods containing Chinese components are penalised under multiple jurisdictions, adds to exporters' cost pressures, potentially eroding Malaysia's competitiveness even without direct involvement in transhipment. "Since Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) aims to offset losses by moving into high-value chips and attracting US foreign direct investment (FDI), the government may provide emergency grants for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore new markets," the economist added. Beyond immediate mitigation, Alvin urged Malaysia to convert tariff pressure into opportunity and highlighted the importance of adopting a "tech-for-market access" strategy, trading supply chain transparency for stable US tariffs on semiconductor inputs. The economist said that the need to build green industrial alliances with the US in electric vehicle battery and renewable energy sectors is equally important, with Malaysia serving as a strategic ASEAN gateway. Moreover, he said Malaysia should also aim to lead on digital rulemaking by co-developing ASEAN standards in financial technology (fintech) and digital trade with the US. "The country should trade supply chain transparency for stable US market access in semiconductors, form joint green industrial alliances in electric vehicles and renewables, and take the lead in digital rulemaking through US-Malaysia fintech partnerships," he said. Alvin noted that this approach may transform tariffs into a catalyst for high-value FDI diversification, with the October ASEAN Summit offering a critical platform to lock in sectoral bargains. By conceding tactically on processes such as certifications and monitoring while holding firm on policy sovereignty, he said Malaysia might retain negotiating credibility for future bilateral agreements. Alvin also cited Malaysia Aviation Group's US$19 billion (US$1 = RM4.27) Boeing aircraft procurement as a symbolic but limited tool for rebalancing trade ties with Washington. "The Boeing procurement offers moderate deficit relief and symbolic leverage in tariff talks but cannot single-handedly rebalance trade or guarantee future concessions," he added. Its real value, Alvin said, was in demonstrating diplomatic pragmatism, aligned industrial strategy, and readiness to engage the US without surrendering sovereignty. Meanwhile, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams welcomed the tariff reduction but warned that it still presented significant risks for Malaysia's trade-dependent economy. "A potential 10 per cent drop in exports to the US could cost RM20 billion annually. This underlines the urgency for structural reforms and export diversification," he added. Williams said Malaysia must avoid over-relying on short-term measures or blanket support policies. "Redirecting fiscal savings to indiscriminate bailouts would be politically and economically unwise," he said, adding that businesses should double down on automation, supply chain resilience, and long-term competitiveness. Williams added that the current outcome reinforced the need for Malaysia to fully implement its reform blueprints under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). "It's a reminder that domestic competitiveness must be earned," he said, adding that further negotiations with Washington would be necessary to secure improved tariff terms over time. Alvin concurred that Malaysia's dual-track strategy, namely balancing critical interdependence with the US while engaging its Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and BRICS partners, would define its long-term trajectory. He added that the 19 per cent tariffs would consolidate ASEAN unity in the short term, with Malaysia's October summit testing whether economic diplomacy could extract US compromises such as semiconductor exemptions. "However, the longer-term trend is clear: ASEAN will reduce US dependence through RCEP integration and non-Western partnerships. If Trump offers no concessions in October, expect accelerated ASEAN+BRICS cooperation, a tacit admission that the US market is no longer worth sovereignty trade-offs," he said. Alvin pointed out that, ultimately, the shift to a 19 per cent tariff level marked the end of Malaysia's low-cost FDI model but opened a new window for high-value investment if reforms hold. "The tariff parity ends Malaysia's low-cost FDI model but accelerates its transition to high-value niches," he added. With approved investments reaching RM378.5 billion in 2024, both economists agreed that Malaysia has shown resilience and policy clarity. The challenge now is to lock in long-term investor confidence through the execution of New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), supply chain repositioning, and bloc-wide diplomacy. Since April, Malaysia has been negotiating with Washington to reduce the previous 24 per cent tariff rate. The Malaysia-US tariff negotiations officially began on May 6 and concluded on July 31, 2025, resulting in a recalibrated 19 per cent tariff rate that now positions Malaysia in alignment with key ASEAN peers such as Thailand and Indonesia.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
New Zealand to charge foreign visitors at popular tourist sites
WELLINGTON: New Zealand will begin charging foreign tourists up to NZ$40 (US$24) to visit its most popular tourist destinations such as Milford Track and Mount Cook as the government seeks ways to help spur economic growth. The country's pristine national parks and great walks are "truly special to New Zealanders' and foreigners should pay a fee at high traffic sites, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a speech Saturday (Aug 2). The NZ$62 million in annual revenue generated will be re-invested into those locations, he said. "I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free,' Luxon said. "It's only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between NZ$20 and NZ$40 per person.' New Zealand has earmarked tourism as a key avenue to generate economic growth as the nation's recovery from a recession last year gathers pace. The government from November will replace a costly transit visa for Chinese travelers in a bid to attract visitors. The government will initially consider introducing the fee at Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Milford Track and Mount Cook, sites where foreigners often make up 80 per cent of visitors, Luxon said. "At the same time, there will be no charge for New Zealanders to access the conservation estate,' he said. "It's our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn't have to pay to see it.' - Bloomberg
