PwC weighs halving of China financial services audit staff 

A video clip of California governor Gavin Newsom circulated on Chinese social media, falsely claiming he threatened to withhold federal taxes from the Trump administration. However, the voiceover in Chinese did not match Newsom's actual words, and his office denied the claim. States cannot withhold federal taxes as they do not collect them. The false claim arose after Trump's reelection, sparking discussions about California's independence. Full Article

Bee Gees drummer Dennis Bryon died just four days before Colin Petersen, the group's original sticksman, at the ages of 75 and 78, respectively. Bryon, known for his time with the band from 1974 to 1980, was praised by his Amen Corner bandmates Blue Weaver and Andy Fairweather Low. Petersen, who played on several Bee Gees albums, including 1st and Odessa, was a beloved member of tribute act The Best Of The Bee Gees before...

China is increasing its efforts to stockpile microchips from the US to prepare for potential sanctions from the incoming administration of president-elect Donald Trump, with purchases reaching US$1.11 billion in October, a 60 per cent increase from last year. China has imported US$9.61 billion of microchips from the US over the first 10 months of the year, focusing on CPU-based processors and controllers, as well as chips for storage and signal amplification, to meet its...

Campaign Asia-Pacific announces the 2024 cohort of 34 exceptional women shaping the marketing and communications industry in Asia-Pacific. The awards, now in their 12th year, recognize these professionals amid ongoing challenges in achieving workplace inclusivity. Winners from 12 markets showcase diverse expertise across various sectors, with selection criteria emphasizing business achievements, leadership, collaboration, and industry impact. Full Article

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and seven other executives have been indicted in the US for allegedly bribing Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts. The scheme involved over $250m in bribes and false representations to investors, with Adani facing charges of wire and securities fraud. Arrest warrants have been issued, and the indictment adds to Adani's recent financial troubles amid other fraud claims. Full Article

Intlife Smart Home, a Malaysia-based green tech startup founded by CEO Kok Huang, is focused on combatting energy wastage in residential and commercial properties by providing energy-efficient solutions. Through IoT sensors and AI-driven energy management systems, the company optimizes energy consumption, cutting costs and reducing carbon footprints. With plans to expand regionally and contribute to Malaysia's net-zero emissions goal by 2050, intlife is positioning itself as a leader in energy efficiency and sustainability. Full Article