KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index finished marginally higher, supported by strong buying interest in consumer-related counters, amid mixed performance across regional markets. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose by 1.40 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,711.39 from Tuesday's close of 1,709.99. The key index opened 12.36 points firmer at 1,722.35 and moved between 1,711.31 and 1,722.63 throughout the session. Market breadth was negative, with losers leading gainers 678 to 493, while 549 counters were unchanged, 1,016 untraded and 34 suspended. Turnover increased to 4.50 billion units worth RM3.45 billion from 3.93 billion units worth RM3.45 billion on Tuesday.
Beijing’s Tech Push Gains Momentum
China’s tech giants Alibaba Group and Baidu Inc have begun deploying their own internally designed chips to train artificial intelligence (AI) models, marking a strategic shift away from heavy reliance on Nvidia processors, according to a report by The Information.
Alibaba and Baidu’s In-House Efforts
Alibaba: Has used its self-designed chips since early 2025 to train smaller-scale AI models.
Baidu: Is testing its Kunlun P800 chip to train updated versions of its flagship Ernie AI model.
Both companies are still deploying Nvidia’s hardware for their most advanced AI projects, but the gradual shift underscores the effort to reduce vulnerability to US export restrictions.
Why It Matters
The move comes amid escalating US curbs on the export of advanced AI semiconductors to China, which have disrupted access to Nvidia’s latest processors. In response, Beijing has stepped up pressure on domestic firms to accelerate adoption of homegrown technology.
This development signals:
Rising self-sufficiency: Chinese firms are strengthening their chip arsenals.
Strategic hedging: Balancing use of domestic chips while retaining Nvidia for high-end needs.
Geopolitical resilience: Aligning with Beijing’s call to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Industry Impact
The pivot by Alibaba and Baidu adds momentum to China’s broader ambition to build a competitive AI chip ecosystem. While domestic chips may not yet match Nvidia’s top-tier performance, successful deployment in training models marks a step toward narrowing the technology gap.
⚡ Bottom Line: Alibaba and Baidu’s shift highlights how China’s AI champions are adapting to US sanctions by embedding more local technology into their AI infrastructure — a trend that could reshape the competitive landscape in global AI development.
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