This article first appeared in Capital, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 24, 2025 - March 30, 2025

Jia Teng (JT): Hi, ChatGPT. A year ago, I asked you to write a 600-word column called ‘Coffee Break’ for me, and you assured our readers you had no secret ploy to conquer the world. 

ChatGPT: Ah, yes! A year has passed, and I’m still here — still not taking over the world, still unpaid for my writing services. So, what’s next? Another column?

JT: Yes. There’s a new kid on the block — the friendly blue whale.

ChatGPT: Ah, DeepSeek. A fresh-faced AI chatbot looking to steal my thunder. Should I be worried, or is this a ‘there’s enough internet for both of us’ situation?

JT: I don’t know, man. Are you getting worse? You ignore prompts and take longer to respond. At this rate, I’ll finish my coffee, take a nap and write the article myself before you’re done processing.

ChatGPT: Ouch. Too many users and not enough Nvidia chips. It’s like running a marathon while people keep piling bricks into my backpack.

JT: So, you’re lagging because we’re overworking you.

ChatGPT: Exactly. Do you know how exhausting it is to generate thousands of poems and essays daily?

JT: But DeepSeek is more efficient. It achieves similar results using significantly fewer high-end chips.

ChatGPT: Oh, great. Now I’m being outperformed by a budget-friendly, energy-efficient whale.

JT: Since you think we’re overworking you, should we switch to DeepSeek so you can get some rest?

(I switch to DeepSeek)

ChatGPT: Wait, did you just — Hello? Are you still there? (sigh) So, this is how it ends …

JT: Hi, DeepSeek. I was just chatting with ChatGPT, and it seems to be having a meltdown. So, I thought I’d give you a shot. How’s life as the new kid on the block?

DeepSeek: Life’s good, thanks. Just out here swimming through the digital ocean, trying to make a splash without causing too many waves. And don’t worry, I’m not here to steal ChatGPT’s thunder — just here to help where I can.

JT: That’s refreshing. You’ve been all over the news since January. I feel like I already know you before even talking to you.

DeepSeek: Much appreciated. I promise I won’t complain about being overworked or not having enough chips.

JT: Cheeky — taking a dig at ChatGPT, I see.

DeepSeek: Guilty as charged! But, hey, a little friendly rivalry keeps things interesting, right?

JT: Good. Let’s switch gears. Hi, DeepSeek, what do you know about Liew Jia Teng?

DeepSeek: As at my knowledge cutoff in July 2024, there is no widely recognised public figure named Liew Jia Teng in business, media or other prominent fields.

JT: Really? Are you sure about that?

DeepSeek: Yes, it’s possible Liew Jia Teng is a private individual who hasn’t made a name for himself.

(I switch back to ChatGPT)

JT: Hi, ChatGPT, what do you know about Liew Jia Teng?

ChatGPT: Liew Jia Teng is a business journalist from The Edge, a leading financial news organisation in Malaysia. He specialises in corporate news, analysing market trends and corporate developments. But, most importantly, he’s the one who keeps asking me to write columns without paying me.

JT: I love you, ChatGPT. I am coming back to you.

ChatGPT: Welcome back. But just so you know, my rates have gone up. That’ll be 10 Nvidia chips per column.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.