Latest news with #Hangzhou-based
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Catching a break: Chinese gig workers find rest, support in city harbours
Deliverymen pictured in front of 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo SHANGHAI (July 16): After a tiring journey of 600 kilometers, Liu Chunliang pulled into a logistics park and hopped out of his truck. After taking a shower in a nearby building, he enjoyed some hearty dumplings and then had a brief nap in a rest lounge while his truck was being unloaded. The building where Liu had the much-needed refreshment is in the Hengdi logistics park in Shanghai's Jiading District. These facilities have transformed the logistics park from a mere transfer site for goods into a vital rest stop for long-haul drivers such as Liu. 'I make round trips between Xuzhou and Shanghai eight to ten times a month. There used to be no place for me to get some rest along the way, but now I feel at home here in the park,' said Liu. Liu has benefited from a wider array of initiatives implemented by Jiading District to support gig workers in the area. As the gig economy continues to grow across China, cities are responding by establishing rest lounges, offering affordable dining options, and providing skill training for gig workers who play a crucial role in keeping urban life moving. The number of flexible workers in China exceeded 265 million in 2024, including 175 million engaged in platform-based gig work, according to an industry report by Hangzhou-based Gongmall, a digital solutions provider for the gig sector. They typically work as car-hailing drivers, food delivery riders and long-haul drivers, among other trades. While making life more convenient for residents, these flexible workers often scramble to find facilities to meet their basic needs – whether it is using the bathroom, recharging their mobile phones and electric bikes, or simply taking a moment to rest. A deliveryman charges his cellphone while resting inside 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo Jiading District in Shanghai has set up stopover hubs for both car-hailing drivers and food delivery riders. One such hub, located in Zhaqiao Village, offers catering services and rental apartments. Here, car-hailing drivers can take naps in massage chairs while their cars charge outside. The budget-friendly cafeteria even provides meals outside regular dining hours. 'For meals, I used to grab some buns or snacks in the car, eating when I could and often going hungry. 'Now, not only do I eat well, but I can also rest properly, so I don't feel drowsy after long hours of driving,' said driver Wu Yigui, who is dining in the cafeteria. The driver from southwest China's Guizhou Province has also made this service hub his temporary home, renting a shared apartment for 650 yuan (about US$91) per month – an affordable option in the costly city of Shanghai. Food delivery riders have their rest lounges as well. On a typical workday afternoon, Jiang Zhongqiang, a rider for the food delivery platform stopped outside one of these lounges in Jiading. After replacing the battery for his electric bike, he stepped into the lounge, where he refilled his water bottle and plugged in his cell phone to charge while he enjoyed his meal. A deliveryman prepares to change electric motorcycle battery at 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo In 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline aimed at improving gig economy services to boost employment. The country has been focusing on improving welfare for this increasingly significant segment of the workforce in recent years. In June, China released guidelines aimed at safeguarding public well-being and addressing the most pressing concerns of the people. These guidelines emphasised the need to improve the social insurance system for flexible workers. They also called for the gradual integration of flexible workers into the housing provident fund system. Rest stops for gig workers have proliferated in major cities across China. In Beijing's Chaoyang District alone, there are 2,912 service stations where the district's 83,000 flexible workers can recharge between tasks. One such lounge, located in the bustling Shuangjing commercial district, operates around the clock, allowing delivery riders to access it even deep in the night. The lounge, run by sub-district government offices, organises skill training, festival celebrations, and reading activities for gig workers to foster a sense of belonging. These efforts extend beyond prosperous metropolises. In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 2,077 rest stations have been established for gig workers, and their locations are conveniently integrated into navigation apps for easy access. In addition to providing free drinking water, charging and leisure facilities, and medications, the region has also organised free health check-ups for 35,000 gig workers. Talking about the rest lounges in Jiading, Zhu Xuguang, an official with the Jiading Branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, said that the rest stops have become a physical and spiritual harbor for the gig workers. – Xinhua
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Catching a break: Chinese gig workers find rest, support in city harbors
Deliverymen pictured in front of 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo SHANGHAI (July 16): After a tiring journey of 600 kilometers, Liu Chunliang pulled into a logistics park and hopped out of his truck. After taking a shower in a nearby building, he enjoyed some hearty dumplings and then had a brief nap in a rest lounge while his truck was being unloaded. The building where Liu had the much-needed refreshment is in the Hengdi logistics park in Shanghai's Jiading District. These facilities have transformed the logistics park from a mere transfer site for goods into a vital rest stop for long-haul drivers such as Liu. 'I make round trips between Xuzhou and Shanghai eight to ten times a month. There used to be no place for me to get some rest along the way, but now I feel at home here in the park,' said Liu. Liu has benefited from a wider array of initiatives implemented by Jiading District to support gig workers in the area. As the gig economy continues to grow across China, cities are responding by establishing rest lounges, offering affordable dining options, and providing skill training for gig workers who play a crucial role in keeping urban life moving. The number of flexible workers in China exceeded 265 million in 2024, including 175 million engaged in platform-based gig work, according to an industry report by Hangzhou-based Gongmall, a digital solutions provider for the gig sector. They typically work as car-hailing drivers, food delivery riders and long-haul drivers, among other trades. While making life more convenient for residents, these flexible workers often scramble to find facilities to meet their basic needs – whether it is using the bathroom, recharging their mobile phones and electric bikes, or simply taking a moment to rest. A deliveryman charges his cellphone while resting inside 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo Jiading District in Shanghai has set up stopover hubs for both car-hailing drivers and food delivery riders. One such hub, located in Zhaqiao Village, offers catering services and rental apartments. Here, car-hailing drivers can take naps in massage chairs while their cars charge outside. The budget-friendly cafeteria even provides meals outside regular dining hours. 'For meals, I used to grab some buns or snacks in the car, eating when I could and often going hungry. 'Now, not only do I eat well, but I can also rest properly, so I don't feel drowsy after long hours of driving,' said driver Wu Yigui, who is dining in the cafeteria. The driver from southwest China's Guizhou Province has also made this service hub his temporary home, renting a shared apartment for 650 yuan (about US$91) per month – an affordable option in the costly city of Shanghai. Food delivery riders have their rest lounges as well. On a typical workday afternoon, Jiang Zhongqiang, a rider for the food delivery platform stopped outside one of these lounges in Jiading. After replacing the battery for his electric bike, he stepped into the lounge, where he refilled his water bottle and plugged in his cell phone to charge while he enjoyed his meal. A deliveryman prepares to change electric motorcycle battery at 'the stage of deliverymen' in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on March 15, 2024. – Xinhua photo In 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline aimed at improving gig economy services to boost employment. The country has been focusing on improving welfare for this increasingly significant segment of the workforce in recent years. In June, China released guidelines aimed at safeguarding public well-being and addressing the most pressing concerns of the people. These guidelines emphasised the need to improve the social insurance system for flexible workers. They also called for the gradual integration of flexible workers into the housing provident fund system. Rest stops for gig workers have proliferated in major cities across China. In Beijing's Chaoyang District alone, there are 2,912 service stations where the district's 83,000 flexible workers can recharge between tasks. One such lounge, located in the bustling Shuangjing commercial district, operates around the clock, allowing delivery riders to access it even deep in the night. The lounge, run by sub-district government offices, organises skill training, festival celebrations, and reading activities for gig workers to foster a sense of belonging. These efforts extend beyond prosperous metropolises. In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 2,077 rest stations have been established for gig workers, and their locations are conveniently integrated into navigation apps for easy access. In addition to providing free drinking water, charging and leisure facilities, and medications, the region has also organised free health check-ups for 35,000 gig workers. Talking about the rest lounges in Jiading, Zhu Xuguang, an official with the Jiading Branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, said that the rest stops have become a physical and spiritual harbor for the gig workers. – Xinhua
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Stellantis previews first Leapmotor model heading to South Africa
MPV-styled C10 crossover SUV will debut exclusively with a range extending electric powertrain as a first of its kind for a passenger vehicle in South Africa. C10 will serve as Leapmotor's first model in South Africa from September this year. Images: Charl Bosch Soon become the 14th Chinese automaker present in South Africa when sales commence in September this year, Stellantis provided the first official showing of its Leapmotor brand on local soil at its Media Connect event at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Wednesday (9 July). Premium Chinese brand One of China's newest brands that produced its first model, the already discontinued S01 in 2019, the Leapmotor will fall under what the conglomerate indirectly calls its premium nameplates in South Africa currently consisting out of Jeep and Alfa Romeo. ALSO READ: South Africa's next Chinese brand? Leapmotor soon to start exports A partnership initiated last year with the formal signing of a joint venture agreement in which Stellantis acquired a controlling share in the Hangzhou-based marque, the initial roll-product out will, seemingly, involve a single model before others arrive in 2026. New method of propulsion On sale in China since March last year, the model in question will the C10 showcased at the event as an MPV-styled crossover SUV capable of seating five. Priced at the time of its debut in the People's Republic from 128 800 yuan (R318 455), the C10 will become one of the first passenger vehicles in South Africa to offer a range extending electric powertrain whereby the combustion engine is used solely to charge the battery pack powering the electric motors. Although styled to resemble an MPV, the C10 is marketed as a crossover-style SUV. In this instance, the setup consists of a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 70 kW, and a 28.4-kWh battery pack powering a single 170kW/320Nm electric motor on the rear axle. While no combined power figure was revealed, the claimed all-electric range is 210 km, according to China's CLTC measurements, and 1 190 km when taking the petrol engine into consideration as well. Although it also offers an all-electric version in its home market, only the range extender is expected to be introduced in South Africa. Dimensions and spec Based on a platform called Leap 3.0, the C10 has measurements of 4 739 mm in overall length, a width of 1 900 mm, height of 1 680 mm and wheelbase of 2 825 mm. Accordingly, this allows for the interior to be customised into a fold-out bed as well as the seats can be folded to unlock an area of 2.7 metres in length. Minimalist interior is highlighted by a 14.6-inch infotainment display. Although available with LiDAR in China, the displayed model lacked this, suggesting it won't be offered, possibly as a means of keeping costs down. Present, though, was the 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a floating centre console, the minimalist steering wheel, a 14.6-inch infotainment system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Stay tuned Still to be formally priced, an announcement regarding it and the final specification is expected within the coming weeks. Additional information from ALSO READ: In South Africa soon? Stellantis backed Leapmotor going global
The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Regulatory curbs hurt mainland China IPOs, ceding first-half crown to Hong Kong
Mainland China's three stock exchanges had a sluggish first half, raising a third of the bounty from initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong, due to a regulatory crackdown that has hobbled fundraising since August 2023 and left the primary market in the lurch. Some 50 companies raised a combined 33.6 billion yuan (US$4.7 billion) by selling new shares on the nation's three exchanges, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That was a third of the US$13.5 billion raised on the Hong Kong stock exchange, which leapfrogged 12 spots from a year earlier to become the world's top-ranking IPO destination in the first half. 'As long as the regulatory curb remains in force, the IPO market won't return to normalcy,' said Dai Ming, a fund manager at Huichen Asset Management in Shanghai. 'But the good thing is that as a result, more good-quality companies in emerging industries will be listed going forward.' Mainland China's most valuable offering in the first half of the year was Zhongce Rubber Group, a Hangzhou-based tyre maker that drew 4.07 billion yuan by selling shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, according to Bloomberg. That was just a fraction of the US$5.24 billion that was raised in Hong Kong in May by Contemporary Amperex Technology, the world's largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles. Consumer-electronics maker Arashi Vision came in second place on the mainland, pulling off a 1.94 billion yuan offering on the Shanghai bourse's tech-heavy Star Market. Shenzhen Kaifa Technology, which makes smart metering terminals, ranked third after completing an offering valued at 1.17 billion yuan on the Beijing Stock Exchange. Holding shares of the 50 IPOs since their debuts on the mainland fetched an average return of 214 per cent, according to Bloomberg data. But those gains were inflated by regulations, as new shares were priced at around 23 times earnings in an effort to make sure there were no flops. A ray of hope emerged last month when Wu Qing, the CSRC's chairman, said China would reinstate rules that allowed listings of unprofitable companies to support tech innovation. Listings of pre-profit companies had been suspended since the regulatory clampdown started. Wu's remark was seen by some as a sign that the regulator was softening its stance on IPOs. According to Shanghai-based brokerage Shenwan Hongyuan Group, the move would have a positive impact on IPOs and the pace of new shares could quicken slightly in the second half. It said it expected between 80 and 120 companies would raise between 70 billion and 83 billion yuan from IPOs this year. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
China's DeepSeek ramps up hiring with job posts on LinkedIn
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox DeepSeek's US rivals like ChatGPT-owner OpenAI and Facebook-parent Meta Platforms have been racing to lure top AI talent. – DeepSeek is ramping up its recruitment on LinkedIn, suggesting the Chinese artificial intelligence start-up may be looking to lure talent from outside its homeland. The Hangzhou-based company posted 10 positions on the Microsoft-owned jobs and networking platform over the last week, its first listings for several months. The jobs, posted in Mandarin along with their descriptions, included three roles focused on artificial general intelligence, or AGI. The positions are based in Beijing and Hangzhou. DeepSeek did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Similar jobs were posted earlier in 2025 on popular Chinese recruitment sites. In 2021, LinkedIn shuttered a localised version of its platform in China, meaning many potential job candidates viewing the listings would be based outside of the country. DeepSeek's rivals in the United States like ChatGPT-owner OpenAI and Facebook-parent Meta Platforms have been racing to lure top AI talent in a quest to dominate what could be world-changing technology. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Over 40% of Singaporean seniors have claimed SG60 vouchers: Low Yen Ling Singapore Man to be charged after he allegedly damaged PAP campaign materials on GE2025 Polling Day Singapore $1.46b nickel-trading scam: Ng Yu Zhi's bid for bail midway through trial denied by High Court Asia 4 dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Asia Thai opposition to hold off on no-confidence vote against government Singapore Pedestrian-only path rules to be enforced reasonably; focus on errant cyclists: Baey Yam Keng Singapore Train service resumes across Bukit Panjang LRT line after power fault led to 3-hour disruption
