Alibaba

ByteDance

CATL

Huawei

Meituan

Tencent

Xiaomi

Most Followed

Market News

Listings (IPO)

Earnings Reports

Venture Roundup

Big Tech

Automotives

Retail and Commerce

Collections

News

Features

Insights

Press Releases

Anta

DeepSeek

Geely

Li Auto

Mixue Bingcheng

Pop Mart

Going Global

Latest

Collaborate

Earnings

Auto

Retail & Commerce

… help Daikin to promote its inverter technology and address social issues at the same time.
Daikin declined Nikkei Asia's request for an interview to discuss the details of such regulatory efforts.
Some, meanwhile, believe part of the answer may be embracing Chinese peers in the vast African market.
Yo-ren, a Shanghai-based Japanese digital marketing company, aims to combine the strengths of Japan and China. Osamu Kaneda, Yo-ren's chairman and CEO, suggests Japanese companies should seek to tap their Chinese counterparts' expertise in supply chain efficiency.
Kaneda is a member of the Japan-Africa Co-Creation for Industry initiative, or JACCI, which helps Japanese companies match with African startups, and hopes to create bridges between Japan and China as well.
JICA president Akihiko Tanaka expressed a similar thought when he spoke with Nikkei Asia at TICAD. "There are no conflicts or issues with our Chinese counterparts in Africa," he said. Tanaka, an international politics scholar by profession, stressed that for African countries, it is "beneficial" if Japan provides some kinds of support while China "take the others."
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/companies/yamaha-motor-kubota-others-aim-to-shake-chinese-rivals-africa-footholds">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

Yamaha Motor, Kubota, others aim to shake Chinese rivals' Africa footholds

Japan

Africa

China

… itself as a dominant brand, maintaining a 70–80% share of the global consumer drone market. Looking ahead, it plans to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, leveraging local partnerships and compliance-driven technical adjustments to secure international growth.
<h3>Xgimi</h3>
Xgimi’s overseas journey began in 2016, when it tested international demand through crowdfunding platforms such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter. In 2019, it launched products certified by Google and running Android TV, marking its official entry into mainstream global markets.
In 2021, the company built a dedicated international team and leaned into Amazon, moving into a direct-to-consumer phase that strengthened its overseas presence.
In 2024, Xgimi recorded RMB 1.205 billion (USD 168.7 million) in international revenue, accounting for more than 35% of its total, and its products had entered major offline channels across Europe, North America, and Australia. In 2025, Xgimi has continued expanding retail coverage by adding more offline outlets.
So far this year, the company reported cumulative sales of more than five million units, with products available in 45 countries and regions. It has established overseas entities in the US, Japan, Germany, and Singapore, building a global operating network. Its projectors are sold online via platforms such as Amazon and Japan’s Rakuten, and through offline retailers including Best Buy, Sam’s Club, and Walmart, ensuring wide availability across channels.
Xgimi also plans to issue H-shares and list on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a move aimed at reinforcing its overseas strategy and bringing more innovative projectors to global consumers.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
As globalization deepens and Chinese companies ramp up their international expansion, more homegrown brands are stepping onto the world stage. Many are moving beyond a narrow manufacturing-and-export model to embrace a brand-oriented approach, aiming to secure a place in global markets and build lasting trust with consumers. Expanding abroad is not only a commercial competition but also a test of cultural understanding and market fit.
Looking ahead, more Chinese brands are poised to reach global consumers with technology, products, and ideas, while also sharing culture and values across borders. The path overseas may be uneven, but each step draws China and the world closer together.
This <a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/bQb62bCoGmJowZJLadzqJA">article</a> was adapted based on a feature originally written by Mall China (<a href="http://mallchina.org">mallchina.org</a>). KrASIA is authorized to translate, adapt, and publish its contents.

Chinese brands vie for the spotlight abroad with tech, tea, and toys

Retail

Consumer Economy

… homework. Every time she entered a new market, she immersed herself in its culture and viewing preferences. She found that Thai audiences loved romantic comedies with soft, youthful tones.
She was right. Thai actor Patrick Nattawat Finkler, who cameoed in the film, drew a fan-driven surge in attendance. The movie went on to perform across three fronts: box office, Netflix release, and online buzz, all of which boosted its market value.
Recently, her company also expanded into Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and other emerging territories. A curated batch of 30 films is now rolling out across five countries.
But film sales are also a people business.
“Reliable” was how a South Korean friend once described Ding. Early in her career, she helped him solve multiple work problems. Later, he became her first client in the online feature film segment.
He first met Ding when she was hustling at IM Global’s flashy booth near Santa Monica Beach, trying to sell a film she herself didn’t believe in. But she pitched it tirelessly, from every angle. They ran into each other again at the airport in Los Angeles. “She looked exhausted,” he recalled. Still, she suggested grabbing a drink. That conversation sparked a lasting friendship. He sent her kimchi by the gallon. During the pandemic, he mailed her face masks from Korea.
Ding treasures these little moments of human connection.
She still remembers how, in her first month on the job, her boss Leslie would revise every email she wrote. In their three years working together, Leslie never once asked her to handle errands or expenses.
Now a leader herself, Ding tries to do the same, shielding her staff when needed and pushing them to grow.
She encourages her team to attend Cannes and Berlin in person, hoping they learn by doing. When The Wandering Earth held a special screening at the United Nations, her staffer Grace was suddenly asked to take charge. Panicked, she called Ding late at night: “I can’t do it. I’ll mess this up.” The next day, Ding sent a bilingual friend with event experience to support her.
Ding hardly rests, but often reminds her team to take care of themselves. She recommends morning stretching and herbal teas. Her colleagues worry she works too much, but are also thankful that her workaholic-like intensity has saved them countless times in crunch moments.
One staffer, Fifi, said Ding is “someone who knows how to seize opportunities.” But Ding doesn’t see it that way. To her, it’s all about preparation. She never stopped honing her skills or deepening her understanding of the industry. That diligence, she said, is what turned seeming luck into inevitability.
The following transcript has been edited and consolidated for brevity and clarity.
<h3>36Kr: What are some practical skills needed for international film distribution?</h3>
Ding Xiaoyin (DX): Beyond domain expertise, the most important trait is initiative. Don’t be afraid of rejection. If someone doesn’t respond to my email, I’ll call their office, timed to their work hours, of course. I learned that during grad school in the US, where no one solves problems for you. You have to learn to speak up and communicate without overthinking.
Attention to detail is also crucial. For example, always consider time zones when sending emails. Aim to have them land during the recipient’s morning work hours, not as they are winding down. Small things like that can influence how your email is received. These details matter in overseas distribution.
<h3>36Kr: Are you concerned about bias against Chinese films in international markets?</h3>
DX: Not really. We focus on underdeveloped territories, such as places like Serbia, Bosnia, Mongolia, Norway, and Finland. We build relationships with local distributors and send them curated selections that respect cultural and linguistic differences. Our goal is to showcase the range and quality of Chinese cinema.
There might be differences in taste, but that’s not the same as discrimination. More than anything, we want to challenge outdated perceptions. Right now, revenue isn’t the priority. Changing mindsets is. We’ve found that once distributors really understand Chinese films, they start to appreciate them. Even if they are not interested today, we still encourage them to watch. You never know. The aim is to plant seeds for long-term collaboration.
<h3>36Kr: After <a href="https://kr-asia.com/ne-zha-2-claims-the-crown-as-chinas-lunar-new-year-box-office-breaks-records">Ne Zha 2</a> became a hit, there was criticism of its overseas rollout. What’s your take?</h3>
DX: There are misunderstandings about how film distribution works. A release strategy depends on many factors: genre, market expectations, production timelines, and when the overseas team gets involved. People assume that strong domestic box office should translate directly into overseas success, but it doesn’t work that way. Every film is different.
Unlike Hollywood, Chinese films can rarely launch globally in sync. International release requires long lead times to coordinate logistics, marketing, and scheduling. The public often only sees the final result—the delays, limited screenings, or lack of buzz. While those criticisms are understandable, I hope people give us more time. We’re still improving.
<h3>36Kr: Given your film background, do you ever want to direct something yourself?</h3>
DX: I’ve always had that thought. My undergrad major was niche, but that gave me unique stories to tell. I’d love to make a grounded campus drama, something like Our Shining Days, but for translation students. During the pandemic, I saw a classmate who studied Vietnamese help translate PPE (personal protective equipment) manuals. That really moved me. Even supposedly unpopular majors can shine in critical moments.
<h3>36Kr: What advice would you give to current students in small majors?</h3>
DX: Don’t feel like your major limits your future. Every discipline has value, and every experience can become an asset. Try new things while you’re still in school. Don’t fear failure. The world moves fast and can feel isolating, but if you keep going, you’ll find your place.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3422312113016449">article</a> was written by Tian Mi for 36Kr.

From rejection letters to red carpets: How Ding Xiaoyin brought Chinese cinema to the world

Entertainment

Creative

… flight tests of the AE200 later this year and aims to complete certification by 2026. Its new headquarters, part of the CDHT Future Science and Technology City Development Group, is set to open later this year. Once operational, the facility will support small-batch production with an annual output capacity of 40–50 units.
Initial commercial uses will include tourism, urban transit, and emergency medical services. Fei gave examples such as a 153-kilometer trip from Hongqiao Airport to Mount Mogan cut to 42 minutes by air, or a journey from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Lujiazui reduced from 40 minutes by car to ten minutes by air. For medical emergencies, the AE200 could carry patients from Chongming Island to Ruijin Hospital in downtown Shanghai.
Most of the AE200’s systems are now localized through co-development initiatives. For those still reliant on imports, such as avionics, Aerofugia has formed partnerships to close the gap. One example is its joint venture with Wolong to develop propulsion systems for electric aircraft.
Still, international expansion remains a challenge. While the Civil Aviation Administration of China certifies aircraft domestically, other markets require separate approvals from regulators such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Without recognition agreements, Chinese eVTOL projects must go through these processes independently.
<h3>Only a few will endure</h3>
According to Fei, the global eVTOL sector is nearing the end of its R&amp;D phase. He expects flight certifications to begin this or next year, followed by commercial trials, with large-scale operations likely after 2030.
Tu Qiang, Aerofugia’s chief product officer, highlighted China’s advantages in supply chain stability and cost efficiency. “Once our local aviation suppliers catch up in performance, we’ll outpace the West not just in aircraft, but also in support infrastructure like charging networks,” he said.
Still, Tu cautioned that survival in the sector is uncertain. The Vertical Flight Society tracks more than 1,000 eVTOL projects worldwide, many of which have gone inactive. R&amp;D remains costly, with Joby Aviation reportedly spending hundreds of millions of USD annually.
Tu predicted that no more than ten Chinese eVTOL companies will survive consolidation. “You need capital and talent,” he said. “There just aren’t enough experienced aviation professionals to go around. Most companies are either hiring from a few aerospace schools or training fresh graduates themselves.”
As for newcomers, Guo offered this advice: “Be bold, and results-oriented. But never lose sight of why you started. You need to operate with long-term discipline.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3427751538708105">article</a> was written by Liu Jingqiong and A Zhi for 36Kr.

Aerofugia plays the long game by focusing on passenger eVTOL aircraft

Transportation

Mobility

eVTOL Aircraft

… to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
<style>.addcaption{font-size:14px!important;line-height:20px!important;color:inherit;padding-top:8px;border-top:1px solid #e8e8e8}</style>

Deals in brief: RushOwl and Zuzu raise funding, Airwallex acquires OpenPay, nine new China investments, and more

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Singapore

Indonesia

Southeast Asia

… therefore design frameworks that connect asset digitization, securitization, and tokenization.
As of July, global RWA market capitalization has exceeded USD 25 billion, excluding stablecoins, according to RWA.xyz. Boston Consulting Group and ADDX project that tokenization of global illiquid assets could reach <a href="https://web-assets.bcg.com/1e/a2/5b5f2b7e42dfad2cb3113a291222/on-chain-asset-tokenization.pdf">USD 16 trillion by 2030</a>.
The challenge will be striking a balance between rapid growth and systemic safety.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3439401520762242">article</a> was written by Wang Hanyu for 36Kr.

RWA tokenization enters new phase with AI servers as latest asset class

Fintech

Blockchain

Cryptocurrencies

… off depends on whether the company can convert itself into a for-profit business. SoftBank has said it could reduce the size of its funding to OpenAI if it fails in its transition this year.
Some analysts have flagged concerns and potential risks for the Japanese tech giant stemming from its increasing exposure to AI.
A recent report by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed a cold truth for companies betting on AI. While US businesses have invested between USD 35 billion to USD 40 billion in generative AI, it said that a whopping 95% of businesses are "getting zero return" on their investments.
Based on the valuations OpenAI has been given by investors, the startup "is an extremely valuable business now," said Dan Baker, senior equity analyst at Morningstar in Australia. "But no one's really sure about how exactly they're going to make money."
SoftBank's involvement in cutting-edge technologies and advanced businesses comes with "more risks on the equity value," Baker said. Such investments may not bear fruit for some time, he said. "I guess that's what Son has done in the past. He's taken those sorts of risks."
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/trading-asia/softbank-rides-tech-rally-with-ai-investments-but-will-they-pay-off">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

SoftBank rides tech rally with AI investments, but will they pay off?

SoftBank

East Asia

Artificial Intelligence

Deep Tech

… big data, and AI. With a proven track record of robust growth in pan-Asian countries, we have established leading fintech platforms in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
This press release was published in partnership with <a href="https://en.finvgroup.com/">FinVolution Group</a>.

IJCAI 2025 insight: How FinVolution is fighting AI-driven fraud at scale

… Chinese football.</h3>
WD: Then let me ask: with Douyin and Taobao, are people truly happy?
Human nature has good and bad sides. What matters to me is building the future I want to see. If I can create something that brings happiness through Duxiang, why not?
<h3>AN: What’s your minority opinion about AI?</h3>
WD: Everything I’ve said here. Many people don’t believe human-to-human bonds can transfer to human-to-AI.
It doesn’t matter. We’re all just living our lives.
<h3>AN: What has puzzled you recently?</h3>
WD: Some projects raise huge sums with no product. Others, who only need a fraction of that to build something solid, get nothing. I’ve seen great teams struggle without funding. That bothers me.
<h3>AN: Recommend three books you’re reading now.</h3>
WD: Recently, I’ve gotten into the works of Mario Vargas Llosa. I’ve also started reading Middlemarch and Jean-Christophe. I mostly read novels, rarely manuals.
<a href="/collections/100-ai-creators">100 AI Creators</a> is a collaborative project between AI Now! and KrASIA, highlighting trailblazers in AI. Know an AI talent we should feature? <a href="mailto:ainow@kr-asia.com">Reach out to us.</a>

Duxiang probes the limits of AI intimacy with the Xiangmeng Ring, its first wearable

Hardware