Tokyo-based startup Preferred Networks is preparing for an IPO to scale production of custom AI chips as global clients seek lower procurement and operating costs and reduced reliance on NVIDIA. CEO Daisuke Okanohara said the company plans to deliver its latest chip samples to customers in 1H next year, targets commercial launches in December 2027, and aims to be profitable within three years while preparing for a listing. Okanohara said the business requires substantially larger scale than prev

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued an information and communications industry 15th Five‑Year plan directing a modestly front‑loaded buildout of information infrastructure. The plan calls for deploying globally leading network infrastructure and pushing urban and hotspot networks toward a dual‑10G evolution, targeting urban hotspots with 10Gbps downlink and 1Gbps uplink peak rates. It requires deeper 5G coverage in key scenarios, continuous 5G‑A coverage in county‑level and above urban areas with extensions into key towns, and says 6G commercialization should start at an appropriate time. The plan promotes 10G optical‑network (10G PON) pilots and wider rollout, continued nationwide signal‑upgrade actions to improve end‑to‑end service perception, expanded mobile IoT (NB‑IoT) wide‑area coverage and connectivity, and accelerated IPv6 innovation with orderly IPv6 single‑stack deployment.

JP Morgan says Hong Kong banks' 1H26 results broadly beat expectations, supported by non-interest income and stronger-than-expected pre-provision operating profit. Small banks still face elevated credit costs; large banks fared better. HSBC, Standard Chartered and Bank of China Hong Kong reported shareholder total‑return metrics slightly below JP Morgan's expectations. JP Morgan sees scope for upward revisions to consensus EPS and notes that firmer market odds of further Fed hikes could help sentiment. The firm remains constructive on the sector, ranking large-cap banks Standard Chartered > HSBC > Bank of China Hong Kong with price targets of HK$310, HK$205 and HK$53.3, all Overweight. JP Morgan's coverage universe posted average 1H26 profit growth of 33% YoY versus 4% in 2025, driven by an ~50% rebound at HSBC/Hang Seng from sharply lower credit costs and improved non-operating items; other banks showed high-single to low-double-digit growth led by resilient pre-provision operating profit.