A Singapore-based technology distributor, Megaspeed, has confirmed that Alice Huang, a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy and linked to former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, left her executive position at the firm in August 2025. The disclosure comes as the artificial intelligence chip giant faces intense scrutiny over its supply chain and the potential diversion of advanced hardware to China.
Megaspeed, identified as the largest buyer of Nvidia chips in Southeast Asia, stated on Sunday that it has initiated an internal investigation into its business operations. The company emphasized that it conducts legitimate and lawful business and has retained external legal counsel to review its practices thoroughly.
In a statement, Megaspeed addressed recent reports regarding its operations. The firm noted it was aware of assertions concerning its business, supply chain, and global operations that it claims are not supported by verifiable evidence. The company added that its operational and supply-chain control frameworks are designed to comply with all applicable laws, including US export control requirements and local jurisdiction rules in every market where it operates.
US Officials Question Export Oversight
The revelation regarding Huang’s departure has intensified political pressure in Washington. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly blamed the Commerce Department for failing to properly oversee the export of high-end chips. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent indicated that several agencies had favored placing Megaspeed on the US entity list for months but noted that the Commerce Department holds the final authority on such designations.
The entity list restricts US trade with overseas firms and individuals. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been summoned to testify before the Senate Banking Committee next month regarding his department’s role in allowing Nvidia to export its advanced chips. Other congressional committees have requested that Lutnick and his department preserve all records related to Nvidia and Jensen Huang.
Jensen Huang resigned as chief executive of Nvidia after it emerged that he had allegedly had affairs with Alice Huang and another employee. Nvidia has been banned from selling its most advanced chips to China, a restriction that has complicated global supply chains for artificial intelligence hardware.
Allegations of Backdoor Access
US authorities suspect that Megaspeed provided backdoor access to Nvidia chips to Chinese companies through its data centers in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. These allegations have raised concerns that high-end AI chips may have reached China despite strict US export restrictions.
Singapore, where Megaspeed is based, does not prohibit the transfer of advanced AI chips to companies abroad. However, such moves can breach US export controls. Singapore has stated that while it does not enforce unilateral export controls imposed by other countries, it expects all companies within its jurisdiction to respect such regulations.
China has denied that Alice Huang is a spy. Beijing has warned the United States not to use the scandal as a pretext for imposing a technological blockade on AI technology. The situation has created significant challenges for Singapore, a business-friendly hub that must balance its commercial interests with international regulatory expectations.
Megaspeed’s internal investigation is expected to examine the specifics of its supply chain management and compliance with international trade laws. The outcome of this probe, along with the upcoming Senate testimony, will likely determine the future regulatory standing of the company and its role in the global AI chip market.
Source: BBC
