DeepSeek launches new AI model as Trump cautions of ‘wake-up call’ to US industry

 

DeepSeek (Chinese: 深度求索; pinyin: Shēndù Qiúsuǒ) is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops open-source large language models (LLM). Based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, it is owned and solely funded by Chinese hedge fund High-Flyer, whose co-founder, Liang Wenfeng, established the company in 2023 and serves as its CEO.

deepseek

Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek on Tuesday launched a new open-source multimodal model, following the buzz generated by its cost-effective open-source reasoning model, DeepSeek-R1, which competes with rivals like OpenAI but at a significantly lower cost, sending ripples through the US stock market the day before.

According to information on the AI community platform Hugging Face on Tuesday, DeepSeek has released the open-source multimodal AI model Janus-Pro, an upgraded version of its earlier Janus model, which significantly enhances multimodal understanding and visual generation capabilities.

Its Janus-Pro-7B AI model outperformed OpenAI's DALL-E 3 and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion in a leaderboard ranking for image generation using text prompts, Reuters reported on Tuesday, according to a DeepSeek's technical report the Global Times read on Github, a proprietary developer platform. 

The latest development came after earlier in January the company released the latest open-source model DeepSeek-R1, which has achieved an important technological breakthrough - using pure deep learning methods to allow AI to spontaneously emerge with reasoning capabilities.

As a rapidly growing competitor to leading AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and others, the Chinese AI startup has garnered runaway attention in recent weeks.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Chinese startup DeepSeek's technology should act as spur for American companies and said it was good that companies in China have come up with a cheaper, faster method of artificial intelligence, Reuters reported Tuesday. 

"I've been reading about China and some of the companies in China, one in particular coming up with a faster method of AI and much less expensive method, and that's good because you don't have to spend as much money. I view that as a positive, as an asset," Trump said, according to Reuters. 

"The release of DeepSeek, AI from a Chinese company should be a wakeup call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win," Trump said in Florida, according to the report. 

The remarks also came as the news around DeepSeek sent shockwaves through the AI industry, with Nvidia bearing the brunt of the sell-off. The chipmaker, a linchpin of the AI supply chain, lost over $500 billion in market value, plummeting 16.86 percent in a single day. Other major tech players, including Alphabet and Microsoft, also declined, though Meta managed to trade in positive territory, Xinhua reported. 

Nvidia issued a statement on Monday after its shares tumbled, noting DeepSeek's advances show the usefulness of its chips for the Chinese market and that more of its chips will be needed in the future to meet demand for DeepSeek's services.

"DeepSeek's work illustrates how new models can be created using that technique, leveraging widely-available models and compute that is fully export control compliant," Nvidia said in its statement.

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman welcomed the debut of DeepSeek's R1 model in a post on X late on Monday. "Deepseek's r1 is an impressive model, particularly around what they're able to deliver for the price. we will obviously deliver much better models and also it's legit invigorating to have a new competitor! we will pull up some releases," Altman said.

The success of DeepSeek showed that the Biden administration's four-year crackdown on China's AI and computing power has not only failed but has also spurred the country to forge a unique path for AI development, achieving significant progress in autonomous AI development, Ma Jihua, a veteran telecom industry observer, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"While the global AI community has been focused on increasing computing power, China has been pioneering a path through algorithm optimization, opening up a new approach that is cost-effective and equally efficient. This development holds significant importance for the global AI landscape," Ma noted.

"However, with the emergence of DeepSeek and the rapid advancement of China's AI industry, there is now greater potential for complementary cooperation between China and the US. Both countries can leverage their unique strengths, making collaboration more promising than ever before," Ma said. 

Industry observers reached by the Global Times previously said while China and the US, as the two leading powers in the global AI field, compete in the AI industry, there is also significant room for cooperation, especially in AI governance.

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Landlords left to foot millions in electricity bills due to tenant's illegal crypto mining

 

In a press conference yesterday, Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing revealed that over 30 property owners had reported the issue to their service centres, with efforts underway to gather information from more than 30 additional owners. Also present were Simpang Pulai assemblyman Wong Chai Yi, and Astaka assemblyman, Jason Ng. - Pic credit Facebook/Tan Kar Hing

Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing (in white) mingling with the bitcoin victims during a press conference at his service centre. -Ronnie Chin/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 60 shoplot owners in Ipoh are facing millions of ringgit in electricity claims after their tenants were found to be involved in illegal bitcoin mining activities.

In a press conference yesterday, Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing revealed that over 30 property owners had reported the issue to their service centres, with efforts underway to gather information from more than 30 additional owners.

The claims range from RM30,000 to RM1.2 million per case.

Tan highlighted that these incidents exposed loopholes in the current legal framework.

"Under the Electricity Supply Act, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) bases its claims on revenue losses from electricity theft. However, the law does not require TNB to prove that the registered account holder is responsible for the theft.

"This creates a legal loophole, allowing illegal mining activities to go undetected while innocent property owners bear the financial burden," he said.

Tan also pointed out that illegal electricity connections could cause power outages, resulting in losses not only for homeowners but also for TNB and the country.

He urged the Energy Commission, under the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry and relevant enforcement agencies to take action against illegal bitcoin mining activities to prevent further crimes.

In the meantime, Tan said he would continue to raise these cases during the upcoming parliamentary session.

He also advised landlords to transfer TNB accounts into their tenants' names when renting out properties to avoid such incidents.

According to China Press, one property owner, Yen Pit Yun, said that the pressure of facing RM1.2 million in unpaid electricity bills from TNB could drive her to bankruptcy.

Yen explained that the upper floor of her two-storey shop lot in Panorama Lapangan Perdana, Simpang Pulai, was rented out to a tenant in July while she operated a hair salon on the ground floor.

"On Aug 30, I noticed the tenant carrying a large bag of thick electrical cables upstairs, which raised my suspicions and led me to file a police report. The next day, the tenant moved out unexpectedly.

"When I went upstairs to inspect the unit, I found it empty, with holes in the walls and damaged partitions, causing significant losses," she said.

She reported the incident to TNB, but two months later, she received a notice informing her of outstanding electricity bills exceeding RM1.2 million, leaving her feeling helpless.

Yen said her only hope now is the assistance of the Gopeng MP and others to resolve the debt issue.

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Landlord left with RM1.2mil TNB bill

'I Might Go Bankrupt' — M'sian Woman Gets RM1.2mil Electricity Bill Ove

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Parents brace for higher kindergarten and daycare rate

 

      746, Jalan Sungai Dua, Penang , Contact Person: Ms. Ling Ling mobile 012-4059013 

Parents are bracing for the increase in fees for private kindergarten and daycare centres this year, but most generally understand the financial burdens faced by operators.

Private sector employee Nisa Diana Halim, 36, said sending her four-year-old to a private centre is her only option as there are no nearby government kindergartens in her area.

Right now, she has to pay RM750 monthly for kindergarten and daycare services at a centre in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

She currently pays RM495 per month for kindergarten fees and the rest for daycare services.

The fees have yet to be increased, but she was notified that for the 2025 term, they would be higher, she said.

“I have tried getting more details, but the school has not responded. For now, I will remain with the centre for my second born, as my eldest is already attending school and only stays at a transit centre before school.

“I prefer to send my daughter to a place I am familiar with and will prepare for the fee increase because I want the services from the school, which is close to our house,” said the mother of three.

Housewife Low Chiew Yee, 34, said her five-year-old son attends kindergarten while her three-year-old daughter is in daycare.

The kindergarten fees remain at RM405 per month, but miscellaneous charges have increased slightly.

“The increase in miscellaneous charges is less than RM50, but our monthly expenses have risen by almost RM600. However, the kindergarten offers good services, so I don’t mind,” she said.

Low has three children, with her eldest son in Year 2, costing RM500 per month, while her second son’s co-curricular classes costs RM400 monthly.

Due to rising costs, she had to drop some enrichment classes for her children.

“With only my husband working, I stay at home to take care of the children and manage school runs. We save wherever we can,” she added.

Another parent, Lim Li Wei, 38, said she anticipated the increase in fees since the government announced an increase in the minimum wage last year.

She has received a notice on the potential of fee increases from her daughter’s kindergarten, but no amount was specified.

“My daughter’s kindergarten fees were RM380 per month and now, for a five-year-old, it’s RM400,” she said.

A bank employee, Karlye Fong, 35, said her child’s kindergarten fees increased from RM400 to RM420 per month this year, which is still manageable.

“Our child is at the kindergarten from 8am to noon every day. Fortunately, my parents help with pick-ups, saving us transportation costs,” said the mother of one.

Fong said working in a financial institution means her daughter’s medical expenses are covered by the company under the dependant category.

“My daughter’s clinic fees range from RM100 to RM200 per month. If she is hospitalised, even though the insurance covers the expenses, we still pay RM350 monthly for insurance,” she said in emphasising their commitment to their daughter’s education over the long term.

Soleha Amin said it is necessary for her children to attend kindergarten even if the fees are increased.

“Right now, children are advanced due to social media and technology; parents send their children to preschool to compete. As much as I want to educate them myself, I won’t be able to catch up as I need to work.

“I chose private kindergartens because they offer multilingual classes, and this will help them when they enter primary school. If public kindergartens offer similar options, I would have sent them there, but government centres are always full.

“As a parent, I am willing to work extra hard for my children’s future. I am aware there are subsidies, but unfortunately, I am in the middle-income group. I hope the government can consider expanding aid for those of us who are supporting the private education sector,” she said.

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Youth-chasing US millionaire Bryan Johnson says S’porean Chuando Tan’s agelessness is ‘encouraging’

 

Bryan Johnson (left) acknowledges that Chuando Tan appears to have found the fountain of youth with a much simpler lifestyle.PHOTOS: NETFLIX, CHUANDO TAN/INSTAGRAM

Alison de Souza

LOS ANGELES – Imagine spending millions of dollars on a public quest to become more youthful, only to face cruel comments about your resulting appearance.

Some people say you now look worse, and a few compare you unfavourably with Chuando Tan, the Singaporean photographer who went viral for his age-defying looks, even though he is a decade older.

This is the reality for Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old American entrepreneur who, in 2021, embarked on a controversial one-man experiment to extend his longevity and reverse any age-related decline.

But his response to the backlash has been to take the high road, engage with critics and respond graciously to even the most savage detractors.

And he acknowledges that Tan, 58, appears to have found the fountain of youth with a much simpler lifestyle.

Johnson displays this disarming attitude in recent podcast interviews, as well as a new documentary, Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever, now streaming on Netflix.

If sensational headlines such as “Millionaire spends US$2 million a year to live forever” suggest an eccentric vanity project, the film adds nuance and humanises the man, who comes across as earnest, curious and humble enough to admit when some experiments go wrong.

Johnson’s programme, which he calls Blueprint, entails a rigorous diet, exercise and lifestyle regimen, as well as taking dozens of supplements and injections, including a novel gene therapy to boost muscle mass.

The technology entrepreneur, who made millions when his digital payments company was acquired by PayPal for US$800 million (S$1.09 billion) in 2013, was overweight, overworked and severely depressed as he was building his early businesses.

And he did become fitter and healthier after doing the Blueprint programme, but his rapid weight loss and pallor – the by-product of trying to avoid sun damage – attracted numerous negative comments.

In the film and on his YouTube channel, Johnson acknowledges that the haters had a point. Even though he had become healthier overall, he lost facial volume, and with it, the appearance of youthfulness.

Bryan Johnson in Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever.PHOTO: NETFLIX

Yet, despite a concerted effort to rejuvenate his visage, he is still routinely the target of barbed comments.

On an episode of the popular More Plates More Dates podcast released in December 2024, Johnson is shown a tweet in which SpaceX founder and Tesla chief executive Elon Musk, 53, agrees that he looked better before he began his anti-ageing journey.

But Johnson laughs good-naturedly, describes Musk as a friend, and embraces the joke often made about his vampiric complexion.

He is then asked about Tan, whom the podcast host cites as an example of “people who seemingly pay very little attention to what they’re doing and yet look way better than people who are doing everything”.

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Johnson reveals that he and Tan, founder of Singapore modelling agency Ave Management, had actually planned to meet. “I was just in Singapore, but didn’t get a chance to meet him,” he says.

Agreeing that Tan looks at least 20 years younger than his age, he adds: “I don’t fault people for being confused.

“They look at that person (Tan), and then they see the headline, ‘This guy is spending US$2 million a year’, and they conclude, ‘This guy should look like that guy in one year’s time.’”

Johnson argues, however, that this is because people do not understand “the biological principles of ageing” and advancements in rejuvenating technologies.

It would be interesting to run the same tests he does on himself on Tan, he adds. “What do his insides look like? Is it as pristine as his appearance?”

Still, the fact that Tan looks as ageless as he does is promising to Johnson.

“To me, that’s really encouraging because biology is capable of the things we’re asking it to be. We’re just trying to sort it out.”

Johnson’s programme measures health and ageing using dozens of biological markers, ranging from established metrics such as bone density and VO2 max – a measure of cardiovascular fitness – to esoteric ones such as DNA methylation “clocks”.

These clocks track chemical processes in DNA to determine “biological age” or if someone is ageing faster or slower than his age in years.

The validity of these clocks is still debated by scientists, but they are one of the main tools Johnson uses to calculate his speed of ageing, and the basis of his 2023 claim to have reversed his biological age by five years after two years on his protocol.

Chuando Tan is the Singaporean photographer who went viral for his age-defying looks even though he is a decade older.PHOTO: CHUANDO TAN/INSTAGRAM

The Netflix documentary details the lengths he goes to daily to adhere to and document this demanding programme.

It includes swallowing 88 pills, eating a calorie-restricted vegan diet that always leaves him hungry, and something called “penis shockwave therapy”, which he hopes will boost his sexual health and performance.

He has also created a community that follows a pared-down version of his protocol and attends his Don’t Die Summits, where attendees get to test their biological age and see the latest longevity-boosting therapies. One was held in Singapore in September 2024.

But equally fascinating is what drives Johnson to do it all – a touching backstory that includes growing up with little money, becoming estranged from his family, then reconnecting with both his father and his 19-year-old son.

Whatever you think of the longevity goal, this is a father making up for lost time – and trying to extend that as much as he can. - The Straits/Asia News Network

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