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By R. Suryamurthy Nine years after GST replaced a maze of central and state indirect taxes, the most revealing measure of its success may no longer be the monthly collection number. The harder question is whether India has built a tax system in which the government can distinguish between a taxpayer who is trying to […]

The article GST 3.0 Needs A New Bargain With Taxpayers, A Climate Without Fear appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The Hangzhou-based AI developer released Ascend versions of several key components on September 30, including its DeepGEMM matrix-multiplication library and DeepEP communications software. The projects are designed to work with Huawei’s Ascend processors while keeping public interfaces aligned with versions built around Nvidia hardware, reducing the amount of code developers may need to rewrite when moving workloads.

That portability targets a critical part of Nvidia’s competitive advantage. Nvidia’s CUDA software platform has become deeply embedded in AI development, giving programmers mature libraries, tools and optimisation techniques built over years. Competing chips therefore have to overcome not only differences in raw computing performance but also the cost and complexity of shifting software away from CUDA.

DeepSeek’s DeepJIT project takes a further step by providing a shared runtime interface for Nvidia CUDA graphics processors and Huawei Ascend neural-processing units. It handles compilation, caching, loading and launching of specialised AI kernels while retaining backend-specific code where necessary. The approach does not make the two architectures interchangeable, but it can reduce friction for developers maintaining software for both.

DeepGEMM-Ascend is fully API-compatible with DeepSeek’s original DeepGEMM package and supports BF16, FP8 and FP4 calculations used in demanding AI workloads. DeepSeek says the library uses Ascend-specific optimisation methods to approach the hardware’s performance limits while shielding programmers from lower-level complexities including memory layouts, alignment constraints and address calculations.

Its DeepEP-Ascend library similarly aligns its public buffer interfaces with the Nvidia version while using Huawei’s communications technologies underneath. DeepSeek has also added Ascend support to DeepSelect, a specialised component used for sparse-attention and sampling operations, and released Ascend sparse-attention kernels for its model infrastructure.

Huawei, meanwhile, has been opening more of the software surrounding Ascend. Its CANN platform — the company’s counterpart to the programming infrastructure required to exploit AI accelerators — supports frameworks including PyTorch and works with open-source projects such as Triton, vLLM and veRL.

Huawei said last month that CANN had moved to sustained community-driven open-source development, with external programmers accounting for 61 per cent of its CANN developers. The company said the community had more than 5,200 monthly active developers, while more than 40 models had been natively pre-trained using Ascend and CANN.

The combination matters because China’s challenge to Nvidia has increasingly shifted from producing an alternative accelerator to assembling a usable full computing stack. Hardware can win orders only if model developers can train and run workloads efficiently without sacrificing too much engineering time or performance.

DeepSeek’s software also gives Huawei an influential independent developer helping test and improve that stack. The AI laboratory became prominent for building capable models with an emphasis on computational efficiency, and its infrastructure code is closely watched by developers seeking lower-cost approaches to training and inference.

The effort comes as US export controls continue to restrict China’s access to Nvidia’s most advanced processors, creating stronger incentives for technology groups to adopt domestic alternatives. Those restrictions have helped expand the strategic importance of Huawei’s Ascend line, even though China still faces constraints in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Nvidia nevertheless retains formidable advantages. CUDA has a vast installed developer base and an extensive collection of mature libraries, while Nvidia’s leading accelerators remain central to major AI training systems outside China. Compatibility layers and open-source libraries also require sustained testing, documentation and optimisation before they can match the reliability of an established platform across diverse workloads.

Transforming QS Practice in a New Era: Integrating Digital Construction, Collaborative Contracting and Payment Security

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2026 – The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) Quantity Surveying Division hosted the HKIS Quantity Surveying Division Conference 2026 (the Conference) today at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park.

This year’s theme, “Transforming QS Practice in a New Era: Integrating Digital Construction, Collaborative Contracting and Payment Security”, reflects the evolving role of Quantity Surveyors during a time of economic restructuring.

The Conference brought together around 200 participants both in person and online, including government officials, industry leaders, professionals, academics, and young practitioners.

Mr LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) for Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, attended as the Guest of Honour and delivered a keynote speech.

Quantity Surveyors are trained professionals with expert knowledge of construction costs and contracts who play a crucial role throughout the project development cycle, from investment feasibility studies and procurement strategy to commercial governance, contract administration, and dispute management. The seminar aims to explore how, amidst the ever-changing landscape of the digital revolution and the implementation of new legislation, quantity surveyors can evolve from their traditional roles in contract and cost management into enablers who drive successful value creation in construction projects.

Mr. LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, said: “The theme of this year’s conference is both timely and visionary. The Conference serves as a strategic platform for surveying practitioners and professionals to exchange insights, explore best practices, and formulate a collective vision for the future of the surveying profession. The insights and best practices generated will not only contribute in advancing the role of surveying profession in the new era, but also reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leader in construction excellence.”

The conference featured 20 distinguished speakers from Hong Kong Government bureaux and departments, the private sector, academia, professional institutions, and law firms to share their insights and best practices in the quantity surveying field. Through thought-provoking discussions, the event not only enhanced participants’ technical knowledge but also catalyzed long-term cross-sector collaboration, empowering the industry to continuously deliver highly efficient and resilient built assets in the future.”

Sr WAN Wai Ming, Tony, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, noted in his welcome speech, “As the construction landscape undergoes profound shifts, quantity surveyors are evolving from traditional cost guardians into strategic value architects. Under this year’s theme, we gather to explore emerging challenges, tackle critical issues, and seize new opportunities. Together, we redefine our professional identity, share actionable insights, and shape a forward-looking roadmap for the quantity surveying industry in Hong Kong.”

Sr TING Yuen Chun, Eric, Chairman of the HKIS Quantity Surveying Division, acknowledged that the built environment is facing increasingly complex social and economic pressures. He emphasised that these challenges serve as an important reminder that, while technology is a vital enabler of progress, built-environment professionals must continue to apply their expertise and professional judgement, while strengthening collaboration across disciplines, to navigate change and deliver sustainable value to society.

Sr WONG Kin Yan, Winnie, Organising Committee Chair of the Conference stated in her closing remarks, “Developments in Collaborative Contracting, Digital Construction, and Payment Security present an opportunity for our profession to evolve beyond traditional cost management.

Today’s quantity surveyors are increasingly called upon to serve as trusted advisers, driving collaboration, leading digital transformation, and championing transparency and fairness across the entire project lifecycle. By embracing these changes, we can continue to play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable, resilient and high-performing built assets for our community.”

List of Speakers (in order of presentation delivery)

Keynote Speech by Guest of Honour

1. Mr LAU Chun Kit, Ricky, JP, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Development Bureau, HKSARG

Session 1: Collaborative Contracting

1. Mr LEUNG Lap Ki, Francis, Team Leader (Trade & Procurement), Development Bureau, HKSARG
2. Sr CHOI Wing Chung, Hayman, Project Strategy and Delivery Leader (Asia), Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited
3. Ir LEUNG Cheuk Lun, NEC Strategic Advisor, Civil Engineering and Development Department, HKSARG
4. Ir WANG Yan Hua, Chairman and Managing Director, China Road and Bridge Corporation (Hong Kong)
5. Sr Yau Wan Fong, Deputy Director, WT Partnership (HK) Limited

Session 2: Digital Construction

1. Mr WU Jin Ying, Technical Officer, Glodon (Hong Kong) Software Limited
2. Mr Elvis LI, CEO, isBIM Limited
3. Ir NG Chun Keung, CEO, dRoW Limited
4. Mr Put HUI, Senior Digital Transformation Lead, Innovative Technology, Gammon Construction Limited
5. Mr Ronald CHAN, Head of Sustainability for APAC, Currie & Brown
6. Sr Sunny CHOI, Chairman of Digitalisation Sub-committee, Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors; Past Chairman of Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (2021-2023)
7. Sr Dr Paul HO, Past Chairman of Quantity Surveying Division, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (2005-2006)

Session 3: Payment Security

1. Sr Tommy CHAN, Executive Director, Arcadis Hong Kong Limited
2. Cr Sr Ir ZA Wai Gin, Tony, Executive Director, Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd.
3. Sr Hinson CHEUNG, Partner, Pinsent Masons
4. Sr Terry CHAK, Director of North Asia Region, Rider Levett Bucknall Limited
5. Sr TT CHEUNG, BBS, JP, Past President, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors
6. Sr CHONG Lui Chuen, Executive Committee Member, CSHK Professional Committee
7. Mr Eric CHUNG, Barrister-at-Law, Pacific Chambers
8. Sr Prof LEUNG Hing Fung, Professor and Head, Department of Law and Business, Hong Kong Shue Yan University; Adjunct Professor, Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong; Barrister-at-law, Arbitrator and Mediator

List of speakers and topics are downloadable here

Conference booklet is downloadable here

High-resolution event photos are downloadable here

Photo Caption:

Hashtag: #surveyor #QS #quantitysurveying

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Established in 1984, The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) is the only surveying professional body incorporated by ordinance in Hong Kong. As of 30 September 2026, the number of members reached 11248, of which 8301 (FHKIS: 579, MHKIS: 7722) were corporate members, 49 were associate members and 2898 were probationers and students.

HKIS work includes setting standards for professional services and performance, establishing codes of ethics, determining requirements for admission as professional surveyors, and encouraging members to upgrade skills through continuing professional development.

The Institute has an important consultative role in government policy making and on issues affecting the profession. We have advised the government on issues such as building safety and unauthorized building works, problems of property management, town planning and development strategies, construction quality, construction costs and housing problems. We have also issued guidance notes on floor area measurement, real estates valuation and land boundary survey, etc.

We have an established presence in the international arenas, have overseas connections, and have entered into reciprocal agreements with professional surveying and valuation institutes in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Mainland China recognizing the counterpart’s member’s qualifications. In addition, HKIS is a member of various leading international surveying organisations.

Houston-based Alpha Energy forms Alpha Energy International to acquire and modernise mature oil fields; Tennor provides $500 million funding facility

HOUSTON, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 October 2026 – Alpha Energy, the Houston-based oil and gas upstream company, has formed Alpha Energy International to lead its expansion outside the United States and has sold a 65% stake in the new company to Tennor Global LLC.

Tennor has agreed to arrange Alpha Energy International with a $500 million funding facility, allowing the venture to move quickly on acquisitions in selected countries, including Venezuela. Alpha Energy International will be responsible for all of Alpha Energy’s future activities and investments outside the USA.

The new company will initially target mature producing fields and difficult-to-recover reserves. Alpha’s leadership team will develop the assets and run operations, while Tennor, as majority shareholder, will support the venture through its network of relationships in the target countries.

Lars Windhorst, Founder of Tennor Global, said: “Alpha’s team has a rare track record of turning around mature fields at scale, and we believe that expertise is exactly what many producing countries need today. Tennor’s role is to open doors and provide the capital to move quickly. Together, we intend to build an international oil company focused on getting more from existing fields, working in partnership with host governments and national oil companies.”

Thomas Reed, CEO of Alpha Energy International and founder of Alpha Energy, said: “The combination of Alpha’s technical and operating expertise with Tennor’s financial support and deep knowledge of key international markets provides the basis for a new type of international oil company.

“Our strategy is simple. More oil remains in existing conventional fields than has ever been produced, and since the late 1980s, improvements in technology and engineering have added more recoverable barrels from existing fields than the industry’s total greenfield exploration success. Alpha is on a mission to acquire and modernise these legacy fields. Better recovery of the world’s existing oil and gas resources is Alpha’s fundamental value proposition, and with Tennor we have the reach and resources to act.”

A team built on the Yukos turnaround

Alpha Energy has a thirty-year history of conventional reservoir development and operations across more than sixty fields, primarily on the US Gulf Coast and the shallow-water shelf of the Gulf of America. Its principals have also operated at scale internationally. The company’s COO spent more than a decade in Venezuela, including operatorship of a producing joint venture on Lake Maracaibo at over 100,000 barrels of oil per day.

Mr Reed, who will run Alpha Energy International from Houston, has 35 years of oil and gas experience with Yukos, RusPetro, JKX and Texas Petroleum Investment Company. The COO has 35 years of operations experience with Yukos and Gazprom, among others, most recently with the Venezuelan joint venture. Chris Hopkinson, CTO, has 38 years in the upstream business, including senior positions at Shell, Yukos, BG Group and KazMunayGas.

All three built Alpha’s proprietary Alpha Technical Center on their experience at Yukos, where the same performance engineering techniques added nearly one million barrels per day of production in four years with a net reduction in the total well count. The Technical Center covers subsurface evaluation, reservoir engineering, well design and facilities design.

Alpha Energy International will recover production by optimising asset performance from the wells up, using a value-driven technical limit approach and current technologies. The company works alongside national oil companies, training and handing over to local engineers as it goes.

Hashtag: #AlphaEnergy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Alpha Energy

Alpha Energy is a Houston, Texas based oil and gas upstream company specialising in conventional reservoir development and operations. Over thirty years it has operated in more than sixty fields, primarily on the US Gulf Coast and the shallow-water shelf of the Gulf of America. Alpha Energy International, its majority-owned international arm, is responsible for all of the company’s activities and investments outside the USA.

About Tennor Global

Tennor Global is a holding and private equity company focused on energy, energy technology and artificial intelligence. It takes majority and minority stakes in public and private companies and invests in public and private debt, targeting special situations where its entrepreneurial approach and sector expertise can create value quickly. Its diversified portfolio also spans technology, industrials, natural resources, media, entertainment and sports, retail and real estate.