- Briefing Your roundup of Asian tech and startup news that matter
In brief: Ofo quits Malaysia

Photo credit: walkingsky / 123RF
Ofo wraps up Malaysian operations a year after entry (Malaysia/China). The bike-sharing firm is pulling its idiosyncratic yellow cycles from Melaka, the city where it launched its first and only Malaysian service in August last year. Ofo said that the cessation of the service was in line with its wider strategy to “focus on priority markets,” including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore in addition to its native China.
Ofo has also recently withdrawn from markets in Europe, North America, and Australia amid reports of a cash crunch and rumors of extensive staff layoffs. Reports that Ofo is to be sold to Didi Chuxing in a multibillion-dollar deal resurfaced yesterday, prompting denials from the bike-sharing startup’s co-founders. (The Star)
Other news
Flipkart drops eBay, makes “recommerce” play (India). The online shopping firm is launching 2Gud, a platform that will refurbish and resell used smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electronic accessories. Flipkart – which was acquired by US retailer Walmart for US$16 billion earlier this year – also ended its strategic partnership with former shareholder eBay, which divested its Indian business to the ecommerce company last year. (Inc42)
Bytedance and Intel to set up joint AI lab (China/US). The Beijing-based startup behind popular apps Jinri Toutiao and Tik Tok is establishing a lab with the US chip-making giant to carry out AI research and development activities. Bytedance has previously indicated intentions to design chips for AI applications. (TechNode)
Editing by Eileen C. Ang
(And yes, we’re serious about ethics and transparency. More information here.)
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.




