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On January 3, Bilibili unveiled its latest UP100 list, recognizing the platform’s top 100 creators for 2024. This marks the seventh consecutive year of the annual selection process, which began in 2018. As in the previous two years, Bilibili evaluated creators based on three key criteria: professionalism, influence, and innovation.
The announcement stirred mixed reactions among users. Discussions surfaced around the perceived merit of some creators, with a Hupu poll ranking the "top 10 least deserving UP100 creators," revisiting past controversies. This reflects a divide within Bilibili's user base, highlighting the diverse tastes and values of its audience.
From a commercial perspective, the UP100 offers prestige but no monetary reward. Evaluated using qualitative metrics, the list acts as a “weather vane,” showcasing creators the platform most endorses and presenting an image appealing to advertisers.
Duan Xiaocao, a Python and artificial intelligence expert on Zhihu, analyzed the list and authorized 36Kr to publish his findings. Among 700 creators featured since the list’s inception, only 390 unique creators remain after accounting for duplicates, up slightly from 357 last year. Notably, only 33 of the latest honorees were first-time winners, the lowest figure to date, underscoring a slowdown in new talent recognition. Most winners were repeat honorees.
By category, gaming, knowledge, and lifestyle dominated the rankings. Gaming regained its top spot after a five-year decline, buoyed by the release of several major titles. The knowledge category saw a slight dip but retained the second position. Meanwhile, genres like kichiku and music dwindled significantly, dropping from 25 creators in 2018 to just nine this year. Similarly, lifestyle and food content creators peaked at 33 but fell to 17 this year. Duan categorized creators based on the sections they posted in most frequently, a method that remains largely applicable despite the diversity of some creators’ content.
The resurgence of gaming on Bilibili aligns with the emergence of blockbuster titles, encapsulating a potential “cultural zeitgeist.” Previously, the presence of gaming creators in the UP100 had declined for five consecutive years, paralleling a period of limited high-quality game releases. This year, even Zhineng Luzhang, known for his knowledge-focused content on Lu Xun, was classified under gaming due to his enthusiasm for Black Myth: Wukong.
In <a href="https://kr-asia.com/bilibili-posts-first-ever-profit-as-ad-and-gaming-revenues-surge">Q3 2024</a>, gaming and advertising accounted for 25% and 29% of Bilibili's revenue, respectively. With 23 gaming creators on the latest UP100 list, the platform signals its intent to revive the genre and bolster growth in 2025.
Content length also played a role in the list's makeup. The average video length among UP100 creators was 18 minutes, with a median of 13 minutes. None specialized in videos under one minute, and only six posted content shorter than three minutes. The majority favored videos lasting 10–30 minutes. While short vertical videos have gained popularity on Bilibili, they have yet to achieve the recognition mid-length and long-form videos enjoy, reflecting the platform's traditional focus.
The average fan count among creators was 4.29 million, with a median of 2.77 million. Half the creators had between 100,000 and 300,000 followers, while seven surpassed 10 million. Interestingly, four creators had fewer than 1 million followers. In terms of longevity, 10 creators have been active for over a decade, while nine joined the platform after 2022, with three starting just last year.
Bilibili’s UP100 selection process reflects its priorities, favoring creators who align with its commercial strategy and appeal. Analyzing its Q3 financial report, the platform's top advertising revenue drivers were gaming, e-commerce, consumer electronics, online services, and automotive. These sectors are well-represented in the list, reinforcing its dual role as a barometer of creator success and a reflection of Bilibili’s business aspirations.
While the UP100 may not fully reflect the preferences of users, it serves as a barometer for commercial priorities, highlighting the creators who align with the platform’s current strategy and aspirations.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3106991881817605">article</a> was written by Wang Yuchan for 36Kr.

Bilibili’s UP100 crowns gaming as the comeback category of 2024

Bilibili

Northeast Asia

China

Entertainment

Short Video

Live Streaming

Video

Creative

Content

Creator Economy

Patrick Walujo, CEO of GoTo Group, has committed to leading the Indonesian tech company through 2029. The announcement underscores the progress he has made in steering the company toward profitability, with GoTo reporting a positive adjusted EBITDA in late 2023 and strong growth metrics into 2024.
Under Walujo's leadership, the company saw a 74% increase in the group’s core gross transaction value (GTV) year-on-year, reaching IDR 72 trillion (USD 4.4 billion) in the third quarter of 2024. Gross revenue grew 34% to IDR 4.7 trillion (USD 290 million), while monthly transacting users rose by 21%. These achievements mark significant strides for a company long scrutinized for its financial losses.
"My time here has given me great belief in the immense potential of our team, our vision, and our commitment to driving Indonesia’s digital transformation," Walujo said. "As we look ahead to profitable growth, I am confident we can cement our position as the nation’s leading tech company."
Walujo, a co-founder of private equity firm Northstar Group and a former Goldman Sachs banker, stepped into the CEO role midway through 2023. His appointment was seen as a move to leverage his financial expertise in <a href="https://kr-asia.com/goto-stresses-profit-in-ceo-choice-as-rivals-prospects-brighten">stabilizing GoTo’s trajectory</a> amid mounting investor pressure. GoTo was formed in 2021 from the merger of ride-hailing company Gojek and e-commerce giant Tokopedia but struggled to achieve profitability in the years following its IPO on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
GoTo's profitability pursuit comes as its regional rivals like Shopee and TikTok Shop <a href="https://kr-asia.com/tiktok-shops-gmv-soared-in-2023-putting-shopee-and-lazada-on-edge">gain traction</a>. Sea Group, the parent company of Shopee, reported its first quarterly profit in 2023 after implementing cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and salary freezes. Similarly, Indonesian e-commerce platform Bukalapak reached profitability in 2022.
GoTo’s journey has been more arduous. In 2022, the company faced a net loss of IDR 40.4 trillion (USD 2.5 billion), partly due to a goodwill impairment of IDR 11 trillion (USD 679.3 million) linked to its merger. Despite narrowing losses in recent quarters, the road ahead demands a careful balance of cost efficiency and ecosystem growth.
Walujo’s commitment to stay through 2029 is tied to a performance-based retention package approved by GoTo’s board of commissioners.

GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo commits to long haul as profitability edges closer

Gojek

Tokopedia

GoTo

Southeast Asia

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Ride-hailing

Logistics

Food Delivery

Grocery Delivery

Consumer Economy

Indonesia

… traffic.
However, modernizing retail operations remains a complex and costly endeavor. A report by Linkshop estimates that upgrading a single RT-Mart store to a “2.0 format” costs approximately RMB 10 million (USD 1.4 million). For comparison, recent upgrades to Yonghui stores have required investments of about RMB 20 million (USD 2.8 million) per location. With over 400 RT-Mart stores needing similar upgrades, the financial demands are substantial. Beyond physical renovations, reconfiguring product assortments and overhauling supply chains to meet modern consumer expectations will require significant capital and organizational effort. Moreover, traditional supermarkets face ongoing pressure to eliminate inefficiencies in back-of-house operations, further straining profit margins.
While Alibaba incurred substantial losses in divesting Sun Art, the decision reflects broader strategic considerations amid challenging macroeconomic conditions and heightened competition in the retail sector.
By focusing on <a href="https://kr-asia.com/alibaba-considers-divesting-from-intime-freshippo-and-rt-mart-to-refocus-on-e-commerce">e-commerce</a>, <a href="https://kr-asia.com/will-ai-help-alibaba-cloud-find-its-second-wind">artificial intelligence, and cloud computing</a>, Alibaba is repositioning itself for higher growth while divesting offline assets and optimizing its workforce. The sale of Sun Art reduces Alibaba’s headcount by 85,778 employees, nearly halving its total workforce. While austere, this move marks a decisive step toward streamlining operations and aligning resources with its revised priorities.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3104882304110342">article</a> was written by Peng Qian for 36Kr.

RT-Mart turns new page as Alibaba takes a hit with Sun Art exit

East Asia

Retail

Consumer Services

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Deals in brief: Soul Parking secures Series A extension, Digital Edge raises over USD 1.6 billion, ZVC launches JPY 30 billion fund, and more

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Singapore

Japan

… garments are known for their high price points. “We only target the high-end market,” Loeffler said.
During a recent visit to China, Loeffler met with companies such as Kailas and noted shifting demands among Chinese partners. They are seeking shorter development cycles, a broader range of textiles, increased customization, and faster delivery times to remain competitive in the market.
Swedish outdoor group Fenix Outdoor’s Fjallraven brand has also accelerated its store openings in China through its long-time local distributor, Yangzhou Jinquan. Recently, Fjallraven renewed its partnership with Gore-Tex, leveraging a fluorine-free material developed by Gore-Tex to align with its strict environmental standards.
Whether through technological advancements or sustainability efforts, the vitality of a market is often defined by its capacity for innovation. While Bosideng may have entered the high-end outdoor apparel race later than competitors like Anta, the growing demand for premium functional clothing provides ample opportunities for expansion. Leveraging Moose Knuckles’ established reputation and craftsmanship, Bosideng seeks to address its current challenges in the luxury segment.
However, the company faces a delicate balancing act: preserving Moose Knuckles’ brand identity while managing costs effectively and safeguarding its prestige post-acquisition. Moose Knuckles’ appeal in Canada is rooted in its use of rare materials and distinctive designs, with its fox fur–trimmed hoods standing out as an iconic feature.
As “L” noted: “If they switch to other materials, they might still sell, but maintaining a sense of professionalism and exclusivity will depend on Bosideng’s finesse.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3095177312090248">article</a> was written by He Zhexin for 36Kr.

Bosideng’s luxury pivot: Can Moose Knuckles elevate its outdoor game?

Fashion

… superapp operator Grab acquired the operations of Nham24, a leading food delivery platform in Cambodia, following regulatory approval.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Chinese internet giant Alibaba Group announced the sale of its 78.7% stake in Sun Art Retail Group, the operator of RT-Mart hypermarkets, to private equity firm DCP Capital for HKD 12.298 billion (USD 1.6 billion).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, made strategic investments in the Cambrian Fund and California-based AI company Syntiant under its Dana Impak initiative.</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
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Deals in brief: Paper battery maker Flint lands seed funding, Pimax raises over RMB 100 million for premium VR headsets, other China deals, and more

… href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/22/kevin-oleary-on-why-he-wants-to-buy-tiktok-.html">Kevin O’Leary</a> have both signaled interest and claimed to have secured commitments from supporting investors. Notably, Oracle—whose chairman Larry Ellison backed Musk’s Twitter purchase—partnered with Walmart in a failed <a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2020/09/19/walmart-statement-about-potential-investment-in-and-commercial-agreements-with-tiktok-global">2020 bid</a> for part of TikTok. The prospect of their renewed interest remains speculative but not implausible.
<h3>The bigger picture</h3>
Ultimately, the ongoing TikTok saga isn’t just about one app—it’s a proxy for larger tensions between the US and China. Washington’s efforts to curb Chinese tech influence echo Beijing’s longstanding restrictions on US platforms like Facebook and Google. A TikTok sale or ban would mark a significant escalation in this rivalry, with ripple effects for other foreign-owned platforms operating in the US.
As the Supreme Court deliberates, the implications of its decision extend beyond ByteDance. Whether TikTok survives, is sold, or is banned, the outcome will reshape how nations navigate the intersection of digital sovereignty, innovation, and security. For now, TikTok remains a flashpoint in a tech cold war with no clear resolution in sight.

TikTok's ticking clock: The app’s fate in the US hangs in the balance

TikTok

A recently released demonstration video by Boston Dynamics is making the rounds in the robotics industry, showcasing its humanoid robot, Atlas, in a festive setting. Without the constraints of bulky cables, Atlas, dressed in Christmas attire, performs impressive moves, including squats, backward leaps, and a near-perfect backflip.
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While Boston Dynamics has yet to reveal the price of the electric version of Atlas, an industry insider told 36Kr that the estimated cost is around RMB 1 million (USD 140,000).
On the same day the Atlas video was released, the Chinese robotics market responded. Engine AI unveiled its humanoid robot, PM01, with a starting price of just RMB 88,000 (USD 12,320).
Engine AI’s PM01 reflects a broader trend of decreasing costs in humanoid robots. In May 2024, Unitree Robotics launched its Unitree G1, priced at RMB 99,000 (USD 13,860), breaking the RMB 100,000 threshold. Historically, high manufacturing costs have been a significant barrier to the mass production of humanoid robots. For example, Xiaomi introduced a humanoid robot in 2022 with a per-unit cost exceeding RMB 600,000 (USD 84,000), which made large-scale production impractical. However, as more startups enter the industry, the landscape is shifting.
Currently, the humanoid robot market remains in its early stages, with fragmented customer bases and no standardized pricing. Offering low prices has become a key strategy to attract customers and drive product shipments. According to an industry source cited by 36Kr, price wars in the humanoid robot market have been on the rise since 2024. The source noted that, by pricing a product 50% lower than competitors, his company secured a surge in orders and expects to sell several hundred robots in 2025, significantly outpacing competitors in sales volume.
This trend toward lower pricing is partially driven by investor pressure. “Primary market funding is consolidating into a few enterprises. Only by increasing sales can companies attract investors,” the source said.
Humanoid robots require thousands of components, from lead screws to joint modules, and current assembly processes remain labor-intensive. A technician can assemble just one robot per day, with assembly time increasing to four days if the robot has more than 200 cables. While outsourcing assembly can save time, it drives up costs. As a result, companies are focusing on reducing component expenses as an alternative.
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems exemplify this cost reduction trend. RoboSense’s mid-2024 financial report highlighted a 1,600-unit year-on-year increase in LiDAR sales for robotics and other applications, even as revenue fell by 11.9% due to the rising proportion of low-cost products. However, not all components lend themselves to cost-cutting. Joint modules, which account for 30–60% of a robot’s bill of materials, remain expensive due to the high cost of lead screw materials.
To address these challenges, some robotics companies are developing components in-house. He Liang, CEO of Yunmu Zhizao, said his company is working on in-house joint motors, hydraulic power systems, and dexterous hands to reduce costs by 30–40%. Similarly, Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics began developing their own motors years ago to lower costs, while Inspire-Robots has started purchasing raw materials and machinery to manufacture its own lead screws.
Despite these efforts, humanoid robots still face significant functional limitations, with stable walking remaining an advanced capability for most models. High-end robots with advanced functionalities for research and industrial applications often cost upwards of seven figures in RMB. By contrast, simplified models, typically priced below RMB 100,000, have fewer joints and limited interfaces.
whereRelatedArticle
Sales volumes remain low due to limited application scenarios and heightened investor demands. Earlier in 2024, prototypes capable of walking were sufficient to attract funding. However, by midyear, investors prioritized robots capable of performing complex tasks and leaned toward companies with stronger financial backing. This dynamic forces smaller firms to quickly generate commercial revenue or risk being eliminated. At the same time, increasing competition has shifted market power to buyers, further driving down prices.
Inspire-Robots’ marketing director, Fang Hainan, revealed that his company reduced the price of its dexterous hand by RMB 15,000 (USD 2,100) in early 2024, resulting in sales of nearly 2,000 units this year. Beyond discounts, robotics companies are diversifying revenue streams by selling self-developed components. Unitree Robotics, for example, secured contracts with universities for modular materials and robotic arms, while Deep Robotics offered discounts on quadruped robots and integrated joints during the Singles’ Day shopping festival.
Under dual pressures from cautious investors and a demanding market, price reductions have transitioned from a stopgap tactic to a core strategy for increasing sales and securing funding. While not all robotics companies are eager to engage in price wars, the early-stage nature of the market leaves room for growth. Many companies hope that intense price competition can be delayed, allowing all players an opportunity to establish themselves.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3082563692345480">article</a> was written by Tian Zhe for 36Kr.

Humanoid robots are getting cheaper—can affordability drive adoption?

Deep Tech

Embodied Intelligence

On December 31, 2024, Zhuoyu Technology, formerly known as DJI Automotive, unveiled its end-to-end (E2E) smart driving solution designed for mid-tier computing power. This innovative system features hardware that includes seven cameras and a TDA4-VH chip delivering approximately 32 TOPS of computing power, supporting advanced functionalities like city navigation assistance.
This solution targets vehicles priced around RMB 100,000 (USD 14,000), aiming to make advanced smart driving more accessible. Zhuoyu said that automakers using this system can provide free upgrades via over-the-air (OTA) software updates, offering continuous improvements to end users.
Vehicles equipped with Zhuoyu’s system, such as models from Baojun and Chery’s iCar, are expected to feature this functionality as early as the first half of 2025. The company’s efforts align with an industry-wide push in 2024 toward scalable, cost-effective E2E solutions. Major players, including Huawei, Xpeng Motors, and Li Auto, have primarily relied on Nvidia’s Orin X chip platform, which offers a hefty 254 TOPS of computing power as a baseline. Zhuoyu, however, has taken a different path—developing E2E capabilities with only 32 TOPS, significantly lowering the barrier for urban smart driving.
As automakers ramp up the deployment of smart driving technologies in 2025, suppliers like Zhuoyu are refining their solutions to meet shifting market demands. Zhuoyu’s development strategy centers on two distinct chip platforms:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Compute-intensive solution: Built on Qualcomm’s 8650 chip with 100 TOPS of computing power, this platform supports advanced features such as map-free navigation in urban environments. It is already deployed in FAW Hongqi’s E007 and E009 models.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mid-tier solution: Powered by the TDA4-VH chip, this system debuted in September 2023 with highway navigation assistance. It has since evolved to incorporate memory-based driving and E2E capabilities, broadening its functionality and appeal.</li>
</ul>
Zhuoyu’s advanced edge computing techniques further enhance the deployment of E2E models, enabling high performance even on platforms with limited computing power. According to a technical expert from Zhuoyu, both the mid-tier and high-tier solutions share a unified artificial intelligence model architecture. This design integrates core modules—perception, prediction, decision-making, and planning—while incorporating a safety inference framework for redundancy in trajectory outputs.
Shared architecture and training datasets ensure a consistent user experience across scenarios, whether on a 32 TOPS or 100 TOPS system. This unified approach not only simplifies development but also enhances scalability.
Zhuoyu’s binocular vision-enhanced E2E architecture represents a standout innovation. By incorporating geometric data from both image and point cloud inputs, the system allegedly achieves a 10–20 times improvement in training efficiency. This approach drastically reduces the reliance on extensive long-tail data, requiring only about 10% of the training data needed for conventional monocular or heterogeneous solutions to reach comparable performance levels.
This efficiency promises to reshape how smart driving solutions are developed and scaled, ensuring advanced capabilities can reach a broader range of vehicles and consumers, driving the industry closer to universal adoption of smarter, safer driving technologies.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3102202050006537">article</a> was written by Li Anqi for 36Kr.

Zhuoyu Technology targets affordable smart driving with end-to-end solution

Transportation

Autonomous Vehicles

Mobility