We are deeply intrigued by the evolution of Asia's market landscape, innovation ecosystem, and competitive dynamics. In AGP Insights we publish our latest thoughts and reports, as well as insights from our extended network of partners.
Latest Insights
Insights
Digital Silk Road: AI Exports Reshaping Global Tech Power
In the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology and geopolitics, China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) has emerged as a pivotal extension of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2015.
This initiative, initially focused on physical infrastructure, has shifted toward digital connectivity, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core. By 2025, the DSR’s role in exporting AI technologies has become a critical lens for understanding China’s ambition to challenge the technological dominance of the U.S. and the EU while fostering economic and political ties with developing nations.
Insights
China's Green Shift: Implications for MNCs Innovation Strategies
In March 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced plans for substantial investments in new offshore wind farms and expansive clean energy hubs integrating both solar and wind technologies. China's rapid shift toward sustainability and green innovation is transforming its economy and redefining global business strategies. China's commitment to sustainability and green innovation provides an expansive landscape for MNCs to innovate, compete, and grow.
Insights
China’s AI Leap: Talent, Innovation and Global Tech Impact
In early 2025, an unknown Chinese startup named DeepSeek launched DeepSeek-R1, an open-source large language model (LLM) that made global headlines. The model not only rivaled established LLMs such as GPT-4, Llama 3.1, and Claude in performance but achieved this at significantly lower costs and with reduced training data requirements. DeepSeek's achievement wasn't an isolated event. Rather, it reflected years of groundwork that has shaped China's AI ecosystem—carefully fostered through academic research, talent cultivation, innovation under constraints, and fierce internal competition. How is China orchestrating this transformation, and what does it mean for global businesses and investors?
Insights
Asia’s Chip Race: Reshaping the Global Semiconductor Ecosystem
The semiconductor industry is at an inflection point, with global dynamics shifting as nations race to secure technological sovereignty and leadership in AI-driven computing. This transformation is being driven by a mix of necessity, strategic investment, and geopolitical pressure. Countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, or Singapore are taking significant steps to build domestic semiconductor capabilities, not only to mitigate reliance on third-party technologies but also to position themselves as key players in the future of AI computing.
Insights
The Global Expansion of Chinese Multinational Corporations
From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, China’s multinational corporations (MNCs), are expanding rapidly, backed by government initiatives, financial muscle, and cutting-edge technology.
Yet, this international push comes with challenges. Stricter regulations in Europe and North America, brand trust issues, and geopolitical headwinds are testing the resilience of these firms. Can Chinese companies adapt, localize, and thrive in foreign markets, or will they struggle to replicate their domestic success abroad?
This Insight piece explores why Chinese companies are going global, where they are investing, how they are funding their expansion, and the critical obstacles they must overcome.
Insights
Humanoid Robots in 2025: Powering the Next Industrial Evolution
In the domain of technology, few fields have captured the imagination and potential for transformation quite like humanoid robotics. In this Insight piece, we explore advancements, applications, projected market size, and some of the key players shaping the future of humanoid robots, with a special focus on developments in China.
Insights
Vietnam’s Vision: Building the World’s First AI-Powered City
Vietnam is making ambitious moves to position itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by transforming Ho Chi Minh City into the world’s first AI-powered city by 2030. This initiative, unveiled at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos earlier in 2025, is more than just a technological endeavor—it represents a strategic vision to redefine urban development, foster economic growth, and place Vietnam at the forefront of global innovation.
Insights
APAC: Leveraging AI at Scale to Drive Value
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is witnessing a shift from experimental AI projects to strategic deployments aimed at maximizing business impact.
This strategic pivot is driven by the understanding that AI's true value lies in its ability to enhance customer experience, automate back-office processes, and streamline sales and customer lifecycle management, as outlined in the "APAC AI Outlook 2025" report, a joint initiative by Ecosystm and IBM.
Insights
2025: SEA Startups Refocus on Profitability Amid Investor Caution
Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation. After years of growth fueled by ample venture capital, global economic pressures are reshaping priorities. Inflation, higher interest rates, and increased investor scrutiny are compelling startups to emphasize sustainable business models over rapid expansion.
Insights
Southeast Asia’s AI Boom: Progress, Pitfalls, and the Road Ahead
Southeast Asia (SEA) is positioning itself as a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. With projections indicating a sixfold growth in its AI market to $30.3 billion by 2030. This Insight delves into the trends shaping AI in SEA, the economic and social impact, and the hurdles that must be overcome to ensure a sustainable future for AI in the region.
Insights
Deepfakes in Asia: A Threat CEOs Cannot Ignore
The rise of deepfakes - AI-generated synthetic media - has become a defining challenge for businesses across Asia. The rapid proliferation of this technology introduces a host of risks, ranging from financial fraud to reputational crises. This Insight delves into the current state of deepfakes in Asia to help businesses navigate this evolving landscape.
Insights
ASEAN’s Digital Crossroads: Innovation, Security, and Sustainability in 2025
ASEAN is undergoing a transformative digital shift. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), growing emphasis on cybersecurity, and alignment with sustainability goals are reshaping the region's economic and social landscapes. However, these changes also present significant challenges such as data quality issues, infrastructure gaps, and a persistent digital divide.
This Insight explores the 2025 key trends defining ASEAN’s digital future, the obstacles to overcome, and the opportunities that lie ahead for creating an inclusive, secure, and innovative ecosystem.
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