Chinese rethink investments, Malaysian PM’s political strategy: 5 weekend reads you missed

1. Chinese families are increasingly distancing themselves from real estate investments as caution sets in. Meanwhile, South Korean retail investors are leveraging aggressively to invest in tech ETFs, despite the increasing risks involved.

2. In a significant honor, a Chinese naval test pilot was bestowed with a first-class merit award for his contributions to defence science and technology. President Xi Jinping recognized the pilot's service, acknowledging his role in enhancing the nation's capabilities.

3. The electoral setback of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in Negeri Sembilan has sparked questions about his political strategy. The state's rival, Barisan Nasional (BN), has been on the rise, gaining ground and posing a potential challenge to Anwar's leadership.

4. The United States is facing growing pressure from China in the first island chain region. Analysts suggest that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is advancing rapidly towards its 2027 goal of becoming a 'world-class military', potentially challenging US defense lines in the process.

5. US lawmakers are scrutinizing the use of artificial intelligence in the food delivery sector. Investigations have been launched into DoorDash, the popular delivery service, after its co-founder admitted that the company experimented with AI models from a Chinese start-up, Moonshot AI, known for its Kimi models.