Latest news with #JustinLi
South China Morning Post
20 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Can China pass on-the-ground tests to ace its economic report card in 2025's second half?
Having gone five years without a raise, and now facing increased odds of being laid off, a 36-year-old accountant in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu is among those feeling a disconnect between robust headline economic figures and the day-to-day reality. Advertisement Justin Li has been struggling to make ends meet since the onset of the pandemic. Since then, his monthly salary of 7,000 yuan (US$975) has not changed. And now, as his company undergoes a round of lay-offs, his dream of buying a home seems more distant than ever. 'With my current income, I don't dare take on a mortgage,' said Li, who relies on rental housing to provide a home for his wife, mother and one-year-old daughter. 'What if I lose my job one day? The job market is weak right now – there's too much unknown about the future.' Last week, when Beijing delivered its midyear economic report, a better-than-expected growth rate of 5.3 per cent in gross domestic product (GDP) showed how China's economy remained resilient in the face of various headwinds, including an unprecedented trade war with the United States. While it is widely believed that Beijing will not allow its 'around 5 per cent' GDP growth target to be missed for the full year, risks lurking beneath the rosy headline figures – from sluggish consumer confidence and persistent deflationary pressure to a protracted property slump and trade uncertainty – are fuelling concerns of a second-half slowdown and prompting growing calls for stronger policy support. Advertisement 'We need to distinguish between official economic data and how households and businesses actually feel,' said Chen Zhiwu, chair professor of finance at the University of Hong Kong. 'What people are feeling is a different world from the rosy data in the first half.'
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
#TECH: Tourism Malaysia, Honor partner to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 through mobile photography
FROM bustling street markets to serene jungle trails, Malaysia's most photogenic moments may soon reach global audiences through the lens of a smartphone. Tourism Malaysia has partnered with global technology brand Honor to promote the country's cultural and natural beauty ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. The collaboration will feature mobile photography competitions, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events. The highlight of the campaign is the Honor Magic Moments Awards, an international photography contest now open to Malaysians, giving them the chance to capture and share Malaysia's diverse charms through their smartphones. Honor South Pacific president, Justin Li, said the collaboration reflected the brand's commitment to enriching lives through innovation and supporting Malaysia's national tourism goals. "At the beginning of 2025, Tourism Malaysia launched a clear and inspiring direction for Visit Malaysia 2026, aiming to attract 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in receipts. This ambitious vision will showcase the best of Malaysia to the world, celebrating the country's rich cultural diversity, dynamic growth, and the warmth of its people," he said. Li added that the partnership was part of Honor's broader vision, which included youth empowerment, digital skills development and smarter everyday experiences. "Under 'Honor My Future', we will continue to foster youth empowerment, digital skills development and innovation, enabling the next generation to thrive in the intelligent era. Under 'Honor My Life', we aim to enrich daily life with smarter experiences, helping people capture their moments, stay connected and explore the world with creativity and ease," he said. He also highlighted the importance of this collaboration in deepening diplomatic and economic ties. "This partnership contributes to the high-quality development of Malaysia's tourism industry while further strengthening cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia," he said, while thanking the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia for its continued support. Li said technology would play a central role in shaping travel experiences moving forward. "We believe that technology is an essential driver of smart tourism," he said. Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Lee Thai Hung said the collaboration was an example of how innovation could be harnessed to elevate Malaysia's visibility globally. "This moment not only marks a new chapter in our strategic cooperation, but also the significance of our unwavering commitment to integrate technology into the future of tourism promotions," he said. He added that the use of mobile photography would help uncover new sights beyond the typical tourism hotspots. "We hope Honor can help us get users to explore lots of other hidden gems of Malaysia," he said, citing destinations beyond Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Sarawak, including newly recognised sites such as the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, which was recently listed as the country's sixth Unesco site. Lee also highlighted the power of mobile users in today's digital age. "Everyone owns a videographer now," he said, noting that travellers can now become ambassadors of Malaysian tourism simply by sharing their journeys through smartphones. The partnership will also see Honor producing travel content using its latest foldable smartphone, the Honor Magic V5. The device includes AI-powered features such as real-time screen sharing, a split screen for price comparison and AI Translate for smoother communication between tourists and locals. Its camera system includes a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 100x zoom, designed to help users capture vivid travel moments with ease. At just 8.8mm when folded, the Magic V5 is currently the slimmest foldable smartphone in the world. "As a global leading AI device ecosystem company, Honor is committed to revolutionising human-device interactions and empowering people to embrace the new intelligent world," said Li.
Sinar Daily
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Tourism Malaysia and Honor forge strategic alliance to boost Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign through mobile photography
KUALA LUMPUR – As international travel picks up pace again, countries across the globe are turning to technology to refresh how they promote tourism. Malaysia is no exception, stepping up its efforts with a stronger focus on digital innovation and engaging the younger generation. In a move to position Malaysia as a premier travel destination, Tourism Malaysia has entered into a strategic collaboration with Honor, a global leader in AI-powered smart device ecosystems. The two parties formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), aiming to enhance the appeal of Malaysia through the creative power of mobile photography. HONOR South Pacific president Justin Li - PHOTO - SINAR HARIAN / MOHD HALIM ABDUL WAHID In his welcoming speech, Honor South Pacific president Justin Li said the collaboration is an exciting opportunity to help people, especially younger users, tell Malaysia's story through photography. "We are proud to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign by leveraging technology and innovation. "We want to create new opportunities to promote Malaysia as a top travel destination, empower the nation's youth, and foster cultural exchange," during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Tourism Malaysia, held on Tuesday at the Four Seasons Hotel, here. Li added that the collaboration goes beyond promoting tourism, it's also about encouraging Malaysians to reconnect with their surroundings and capture meaningful moments close to home. This forward-looking initiative aims to showcase the diversity of Malaysia by encouraging people to capture and share their travel moments using Honor smartphones. The idea is to inspire both locals and tourists to see the country from fresh perspectives. The joint campaign will roll out a range of interactive and inclusive activities such as mobile photography contests, hands-on workshops, cultural showcases, and digital exhibitions. One of the main highlights will be the Honor Magic Moments Awards, a global mobile photography competition that's open to Malaysians as well. It will give participants a platform to share original photos and celebrate the beauty of Malaysia using Honor's cutting-edge camera technology. Tourism Malaysia, deputy director general, Lee Thai Hung - PHOTO - SINAR HARIAN / MOHD HALIM ABDUL WAHID Tourism Malaysia, deputy director general, Lee Thai Hung welcomed the partnership as a timely and strategic initiative. "This partnership supports our efforts to diversify promotional strategies and embrace innovation in tourism marketing. "As we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, we are determined to build strong public-private collaborations that can elevate Malaysia's brand visibility on the global stage," he said. As part of the initiative, Honor will also be producing digital content using its newly launched Honor Magic V5, a sleek, foldable smartphone that promises to enhance the travel experience through smart features and AI-driven tools. These include Gemini Live Screen Sharing, which lets users get live recommendations and navigate with ease, and Three Split Screen, allowing travellers to compare accommodation, travel options and shopping deals all at once. To ease communication for international travelers, the AI Translate tool offers seamless language support, while the camera's 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 100x zoom allows users to capture stunning, high-resolution imagery of Malaysia's iconic sights. The Honor Magic V5 officially launched in Malaysia today at 3pm. It's currently the world's slimmest foldable smartphone at just 8.8mm when folded, and comes with major upgrades in photography, battery life, durability and software. 'We believe that technology is an essential driver of smart tourism. With the Honor Micro V5 and our ongoing innovation, we aim to help visitors explore the unique beauty and culture of Malaysia while enjoying a seamless intelligence travel experience,' Li added.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Honor continues Malaysia expansion, unveils 100th outlet in KLCC
KUALA LUMPUR: HONOR Malaysia has reached a milestone with the opening of its 100th retail store in Suria KLCC. The opening marks four years of rapid expansion since the brand's debut in the Malaysian market. HONOR South Pacific president Justin Li said: "Opening our 100th store at such a prestigious location is a proud moment for all of us at HONOR. "It represents our commitment to the Malaysian market and the strong support we've received from local consumers. "We're excited to continue growing and delivering cutting-edge technology that truly meets users' needs," he added. According to the latest third-party survey data, HONOR has secured market leadership in the mid-premium smartphone segment, with one in every four devices sold in the RM1,500 to RM3,000 range now bearing the HONOR brand. HONOR plans to invest RM10 million annually into expanding its retail presence and enhancing in-store experiences across Malaysia. The funds will be used to upgrade customer engagement zones, integrate smart technologies and create more immersive product trial areas. EXPANDING INDUSTRY Since opening its first service centre in 2022, HONOR Malaysia has launched 18 official centres across the country. It aims to increase this number to 22 to 25 by the end of the year, giving it the largest official tech service network in Malaysia. Despite HONOR products being known for low repair rates, the company said it remains focused on continuous improvement in customer care and post-purchase service. EXCLUSIVE OFFERS To mark the KLCC launch on Saturday, June 28, the first 100 walk-in customers received limited-edition gifts and exclusive discounts. The event also featured product experience zones where visitors explored HONOR's latest innovations, including the Magic7 Pro and its new range of foldable devices. These hands-on showcases highlighted HONOR's cutting-edge design, seamless functionality, and user-first philosophy.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
HONOR 400 series debuts as brand captures quarter of all sold-out phones
Pre-orders for the HONOR 400 series are open from now until May 29 (3pm). HONOR has officially launched its latest mid-to-high-end flagship smartphone series with the release of the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro, as part of its HONOR 400 series. The smartphones, which incorporate numerous next-gen artificial intelligence (AI) features, were unveiled during a launch ceremony held at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur on May 22. HONOR South Pacific chief executive officer Justin Li said the launch of the HONOR 400 series marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it expands its presence in the mid-premium segment. 'Looking back, in 2021, when we launched the HONOR 50 in Malaysia, our goal was to become a top mid-to-high-end tech brand within three years,' he said. 'According to the latest survey data from a third party, HONOR has now become the top-tier consumer-electronic brand in the mid-premium segment in Malaysia. Take smartphones for example, at the price range between RM1,500 to RM3,000, for every four phones sold, one is an HONOR.' The HONOR 400 Pro is available in three colourways: Lunar Grey, Tidal Blue and Midnight Black. Next-gen AI imaging The HONOR 400 series is fitted with a 200MP ultra-clear main camera, a large 1/1.4-inch sensor and AI assistance. The HONOR 400 Pro also features a 50MP telephoto lens, which is rare in mid-range phones. During a trial run, local photographer Nazer Noor was impressed by the HONOR 400 Pro's camera features. In a post on Facebook, he stated that despite being a mid-range smartphone, the HONOR 400 Pro's 50x zooming ability is surprisingly remarkable. A closer look at the HONOR 400 Pro's zooming capabilities, captured by local photographer Nazer Noor. Nazer used the smartphone to capture beautiful landscapes, nature and urban cityscapes, showcasing the smartphone's AI Super Zoom feature, which offers a remarkable focal length range of 15x to 50x. This feature maintains sharpness and clarity even at great distances, thanks to the advanced AI HONOR IMAGE Engine, which introduces cutting-edge AI innovations to elevate mobile photography. In addition to the flagship-level imaging system, the HONOR 400 series is also equipped with a 6000mAh battery, 100W fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. The series also offers flagship display features with a 1.5K Amoled display, 120Hz high refresh rate and 5,000 nits HDR peak brightness for exceptional visibility, even in bright sunlight. Durability is another highlight, with the Pro version featuring an IP68 and IP69-rated water and dust resistance, ensuring better device protection. AI-enhanced productivity The HONOR 400 Pro introduces a suite of AI editing tools, including the industry-leading AI Image to Video feature, powered by Google Cloud AI, that generates short videos from any single static image. With the Pro variant, users no longer need to rely on third-party apps to reimagine their photos, as they can utilise built-in AI editing tools such as AI Eraser 2.0, AI Cutout, AI Outpainting and AI Upscale. The AI Image to Video feature allows users to breathe life into still photos, directly from their device. The smartphone also empowers users to preserve life's most memorable moments with Moving Photo Collage, a first-of-its-kind feature which combines two to nine moving photos into storytelling moments. Additionally, Harcourt Studio 2.0 offers users creative options for taking striking portraits with refined lighting. Powered by MagicOS 9.0, the HONOR 400 series delivers a highly intelligent user experience enhanced by AI-driven smart features. For work efficiency, the series has four powerful AI tools—AI Summary, AI Minutes, AI Format and AI Correction—which help make meeting minutes smarter and easier. The AI Translation tool supports instant translation for up to 14 languages, while AI Live Translation allows for real-time translation during phone calls between users speaking different languages. The series also comes with Google's AI assistant, Gemini, enabling them to utilise the tool to help with learning, planning, writing and more. By pressing and holding down the power button, users can even go 'live' with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses. To safeguard users against potential deepfake scams and ensure online security, the HONOR 400 series integrates on-device AI Deepfake Detection technology. Apart from AI-infused features and software, the series also includes Magic Portal 2.0 for quick and direct access to apps. Users can simply circle objects on-screen with their knuckle to activate Magic Portal 2.0, which enables instant access to various apps and services. The feature also supports a wide range of scenarios such as entertainment, transportation, navigation, shopping, booking accommodation and productivity. Apps supported by Magic Portal 2.0 are Grab, Waze, Google Maps, Google Image, Google Search, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Xiao Hong Shu. Pre-order now The HONOR 400 Series is available in three variants. The HONOR 400 Pro, priced at RM2,699, offers 24GB RAM (including 12GB HONOR Turbo RAM) and 512GB ROM, available in Lunar Grey, Tidal Blue and Midnight Black. The HONOR 400, on the other hand, comes in two configurations—24GB RAM (including 12GB HONOR Turbo RAM), with either 256GB for RM1,899 or 512GB ROM for RM2,199. Both configurations come in Desert Gold, Tidal Blue and Midnight Black. The HONOR 400 series will be available for purchase in stores nationwide starting from May 30. Pre-orders are open from now until May 29 (3pm). Pre-ordering the HONOR 400 Pro includes a Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay instant camera and a one-year extended warranty, while pre-ordering the HONOR 400 includes HONOR CHOICE Active Noise Cancelling over-ear headphones and a one-year extended warranty. Customers pre-ordering the HONOR 400 (256GB configuration) will receive a free double storage upgrade to 512GB. For more information, visit
