Malaysia’s Huawei AI Reversal: A Spotlight on the US-China Tech Cold War

 

Key Takeaways

• Malaysia’s flip-flop on Huawei’s AI servers highlights rising US-China tensions in tech.
• The US warns against using Huawei’s Ascend chips globally, citing export control risks.
• Southeast Asia is becoming a battleground for AI infrastructure dominance.

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Malaysia’s AI Announcement—And Sudden U-Turn

On May 20, 2025, Malaysia’s Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching made headlines by announcing a national AI project powered by 3,000 Huawei Ascend GPU servers by 2026. The plan, developed with Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, aimed to position Malaysia as a leader in adopting Huawei’s AI infrastructure.

Why It Mattered:

• Huawei’s Ascend chips are China’s answer to US-made Nvidia GPUs.
• Southeast Asia is a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030 (Google-Temasek Report), making it critical for tech influence.

But within 24 hours, Malaysia’s government retracted the announcement, calling it a “private-sector initiative” unaffiliated with national policy. Huawei also denied selling Ascend chips in Malaysia.

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Why Did Malaysia Backtrack? Pressure From the US

The reversal came after swift reactions from Washington:

1. US Export Control Warnings: Days earlier, the Commerce Department warned that using Huawei’s Ascend chips “anywhere in the world” could breach US sanctions.
2. Political Pressure: Trump’s AI advisor, David Sacks, called the deal proof of “China’s full tech stack” expansion, urging faster US AI exports.
3. Transshipment Concerns: Malaysia is under investigation for allegedly rerouting US chips to China—a violation of sanctions.

Malaysia’s Dilemma:

• Balancing ties with China (its top trade partner) vs. US (a key investor in tech infrastructure).
• Oracle and Microsoft are building data centers in Malaysia, relying on US-made chips.

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The Bigger Picture: US vs. China in the AI Race

1. US Strategy: Flood Markets With Nvidia Chips

The Trump administration is racing to deploy American AI hardware (e.g., Nvidia H100 GPUs) in emerging markets like Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Recent deals include:

• Saudi Arabia: 1 million+ advanced chips for AI projects.
• UAE: A massive data center with US tech.

Goal: Lock in alliances before Chinese alternatives gain traction.

2. China’s Countermove: Huawei’s Ascend Chips

Despite US sanctions, Huawei’s Ascend GPUs are gaining ground:

• Performance: Comparable to Nvidia’s A100 in AI tasks (SemiAnalysis report).
• Cost: 20-30% cheaper than US alternatives.
• Domestic Reliance: Used by Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu in China.

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What’s Next for Malaysia and the Region?

1. US Chip Rules 2.0: The Trump administration is drafting stricter export controls targeting Malaysia and Singapore to prevent chip diversion to China.
2. Data Center Boom: Malaysia’s AI infrastructure market is projected to grow 15% annually (IDC), attracting both US and Chinese firms.
3. Diplomatic Tightrope: Smaller nations face tough choices—aligning with US tech or China’s cost-efficient solutions.

Malaysia’s Huawei saga underscores how the US-China tech cold war is reshaping global AI infrastructure. For nations caught in the middle, the path forward requires balancing economic pragmatism with geopolitical risks. As AI becomes the backbone of modern economies, expect more countries to face similar dilemmas.

Basic Knowledge of Computers: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding How Computers Work

Introduction to Computers

In today’s digital age, computers are an integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones to laptops, they power everything from communication to entertainment and work. But what exactly is a computer, and how does it work? Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will walk you through the basics of computers in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

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What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data and performs tasks based on a set of instructions called programs. It can store, retrieve, and manipulate data to produce useful outputs. Computers come in various shapes and sizes, from powerful desktops to portable laptops and even tiny embedded systems in appliances.

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Key Components of a Computer

To understand how a computer works, it’s essential to know its main components. These are divided into hardware (physical parts) and software (programs and operating systems).

1. Hardware

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often called the "brain" of the computer, the CPU performs calculations and executes instructions.
• Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that holds data and programs currently in use. It’s fast but volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off.
• Storage Devices: These include Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), and USB drives. They store data permanently.
• Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all hardware components. Learn more about motherboards.
• Input Devices: Tools like keyboards, mice, and scanners used to input data.
• Output Devices: Monitors, printers, and speakers that display or output data.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides power to the computer. Read more about PSUs.

2. Software

• Operating System (OS): The software that manages hardware and software resources. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Applications: Programs designed for specific tasks, such as web browsers, word processors, and games.

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Types of Computers

Computers come in various forms, each designed for specific purposes:

• Personal Computers (PCs): Designed for individual use, such as desktops and laptops.
• Servers: Powerful computers that provide services to other devices over a network. Learn more about servers.
• Supercomputers: High-performance machines used for complex calculations in fields like science and engineering.
• Embedded Systems: Specialized computers found in devices like cars, appliances, and smartphones.

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How Computers Work: The Basics

Computers operate through a series of steps:

1. Input: Data is entered using input devices like keyboards or mice.
2. Processing: The CPU processes the data according to instructions from software.
3. Output: The results are displayed or saved using output devices like monitors or printers.
4. Storage: Data is saved for future use on storage devices like HDDs or SSDs.

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Essential Computer Concepts

• Binary System: Computers use binary code (0s and 1s) to represent data and instructions.
• File System: Organizes and stores data on storage devices using folders and files.
• Networking: Computers connect to share data and resources, such as the internet or local networks.
• Cloud Computing: Using remote servers to store, manage, and process data over the internet. Learn more about cloud computing.

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Common Software Terms

• Operating System (OS): Manages hardware and software (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Application Software: Programs for specific tasks (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Chrome).
• Driver Software: Enables hardware devices to communicate with the OS. Read more about drivers.
• Malware: Harmful software like viruses, worms, and spyware.

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Basic Troubleshooting Tips

Even the best computers can run into issues. Here are some quick fixes:

• Restart the Computer: Solves many temporary problems.
• Check Connections: Ensure all cables and peripherals are properly connected.
• Update Software: Keep your OS and applications up to date.
• Run Antivirus Scans: Detect and remove malware.
• Clear Storage: Free up space on your hard drive for better performance.

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Internet Basics

The internet is a global network of computers. Here’s what you need to know:

• Web Browser: Software to access the internet (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
• Search Engine: Finds information online (e.g., Google, Bing).
• URL: The address of a website (e.g., www.example.com).
• Email: Electronic mail for communication. Learn more about email.

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Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

Master these shortcuts to save time:

• Ctrl + C: Copy
• Ctrl + V: Paste
• Ctrl + Z: Undo
• Ctrl + S: Save
• Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications

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Safety and Security Tips

Protect your computer and data with these best practices:

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
• Regularly back up important data to prevent loss. Learn more about data backup.

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Conclusion

Understanding the basics of computers is the first step toward becoming tech-savvy. Whether you’re using a computer for work, education, or entertainment, knowing how it works and how to maintain it will enhance your experience. Start exploring, and don’t be afraid to dive deeper into the world of technology!