Technology 9/21: Grab deploys self-driving cars in Singapore, TikTok reaches US-China deal, Big Tech warns H-1B employees

Grab partners with WeRide to deploy self-driving cars in Singapore from 2026; TikTok reaches agreement between US and China; Amazon, Google, Microsoft warn H-1B employees to return to the US before the deadline.

US-China agree to deal on TikTok

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call to discuss TikTok’s future in the US. President Trump announced that he had “approved the TikTok deal,” while the Chinese side stressed that they “respect the wishes of the business” and support a solution that is in accordance with the laws of both countries.

Parent company ByteDance issued a statement thanking the two leaders for their efforts to keep TikTok operating in the US, but did not provide specifics. It pledged to comply with the law to ensure TikTok continues to serve US users through a dedicated version of TikTok.

A phone using TikTok. (Source: AP)

According to reports, the deal will include the creation of a new TikTok app specifically for US users, still using ByteDance's algorithmic technology. However, control will be vested in US investors, and the Trump administration could receive a multi-billion dollar payout.

Mr Trump has extended the TikTok ban again – for the fourth time – giving the two sides until December to finalise a deal.

Amazon, Google and Microsoft warn employees to return to the US immediately

Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have sent internal memos asking employees holding H-1B visas to return to the US before midnight on September 21, 2025. The reason is a new executive order by President Donald Trump that will impose a $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa application.

Under the order, anyone who is outside the US and wants to return on an H-1B visa will have to pay the hefty fee. Companies fear that if employees don’t return by the deadline, they will be denied entry altogether.

Leading technology companies have been facing many "tricky" human resource problems since the beginning of 2025. (Source: Forbes)

The corporations advise those in the US on H-1B or H-4 (dependent) visas to stay put and not travel abroad until further notice. Leaving the US now could result in them not being able to return without paying the above fee.

Memos from all three companies acknowledge that the announcement was rushed and that they will try to support affected employees. Microsoft even prepared a form for employees to fill out if they are overseas.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-21-9-amazon-google-va-microsoft-yeu-cau-nhan-vien-tro-ve-ar966544.html