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… class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-151385" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot-1024x683.jpg" alt="Photo of the MagicBot humanoid robot, currently in development by MagicLab." width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MagicBot.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151385" class="wp-caption-text">Photo of the MagicBot humanoid robot, currently in development by MagicLab. Photo source: MagicLab via 36Kr.</figcaption></figure>
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<h3>Bolttech, Catcha Digital, Pixelbloom, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Bolttech, a Singapore-headquartered insurtech firm, raised over USD 100 million in a Series C funding round led by Dragon Fund, with additional backing from Baillie Gifford and Generali.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Catcha Digital, an internet and digital media investment company, agreed to acquire a 70% stake in Tastefully, a leading food expo organizer in Malaysia, for MYR 7.6 million (USD 1.7 million). Catcha is also aiming to acquire a 60% stake in Drive 2 Digital (D2D) for MYR 16.2 million (USD 3.6 million).</li>
<li aria-level="1">PixelBloom, an AI-generated content (AIGC) company, secured an undisclosed amount of funding in a Series B2 round led by the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, with support from other investors.</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: Kickstart Ventures backs Lydia AI, Alibaba unveils USD 150 million AI fund, CATL confirms interest in Hong Kong listing, and more

CATL

China

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Thailand

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

Hong Kong

Southeast Asia

Middle East

… significant market buzz.
Amid this rapid growth, price-based competition has become the norm. Southern Metropolis Daily reported that, this summer, sugar-free teas—initially priced at over RMB 5 (USD 0.7)—were heavily discounted, with some dropping to as low as RMB 3 (USD 0.4). Visits to convenience stores in Beijing revealed even more aggressive promotions, with certain brands offering deals like “buy a second bottle for RMB 1.”
In contrast, Inikin markets itself as a convenience-driven product, offering consumers freshly brewed tea in a bottle with just a twist of the cap—a feature enabled by its innovative technology. Retailing at RMB 6–6.5 (USD 0.8–0.9) per 455-milliliter bottle, Inikin faces an uphill battle in the crowded sugar-free tea segment and may eventually find itself drawn into the price wars.
Visits to convenience stores and supermarkets in Beijing by 36Kr revealed that tea beverage shelves are dominated by products from Uni-President, Nongfu Spring, and Suntory. Cross-industry brands, including those launched by dairy companies, remain far less prominent in comparison.
Dairy industry analyst Song Liang noted that, while Yili has made frequent cross-industry moves, it has maintained a cautious approach to market entry. According to Song, Yili’s bottled water and sugar-free tea businesses remain in the exploratory phase.
However, as a legacy dairy brand, Yili benefits from robust distribution capabilities. The company has previously stated that its bottled water products will leverage its existing liquid milk distribution network while experimenting with hybrid distribution models specifically tailored for the bottled water segment.
“Can Yili and other dairy companies carve out a share of the tea market? The answer is yes, but the size of that share remains to be seen,” Song said. He further emphasized the importance of diversifying into functional beverages and health foods, as well as leveraging overseas markets to unlock additional growth opportunities.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3080922804696704">article</a> was written by Chen Sizhu for 36Kr.

Yili pours innovation into bottled tea to offset dairy market slowdown

Retail

Consumer Services

… experienced workers with new hires to instill a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This approach has been integral to Xiaocaiyuan’s long-term stability and employee retention.
In addition to its focus on operational efficiency, Xiaocaiyuan is expanding into new areas, including delivery and retail. By 2024, delivery accounted for 37% of the company’s revenue, up significantly from 15.5% in 2021. Xiaocaiyuan is also exploring growth opportunities in selling premium food ingredients, further diversifying its revenue streams and broadening its market reach.
Xiaocaiyuan’s success lies in its ability to balance passion with method. Unlike earlier Chinese dining IPOs, which often faltered due to insufficient modernization, Xiaocaiyuan has embraced standardization, technological innovation, and a people-centric approach. The result is a blueprint for future Chinese dining enterprises.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3090912828225668">article</a> was written by 36Kr VClub.

Xiaocaiyuan's affordable dining model shines in IPO spotlight

… home improvement, pets, medications, and health checkups, as well as features like joint memberships, unlimited free shipping, and online returns and exchanges, to meet increasingly refined consumer needs.
<h3>Super users as the backbone of platforms</h3>
Ultimately, the essence of paid memberships is identifying a platform’s "super users."
In the long run, every industry follows the Pareto principle: a small number of core users with high spending power and engagement contribute a disproportionately large share of consumption. These super users form the foundation of an e-commerce platform’s revenue.
For instance, Alibaba’s 88VIP currently boasts 46 million members—a relatively small subset of the platform’s total active user base. Yet, during this year’s Singles’ Day presale, 88VIP members made 60% more purchases than last year. Their average spending also increased by over 30%, and their visits rose by 50%. Over half of the sales of Tmall’s top brands came from 88VIP members.
Vipshop’s SVIP is another relevant example. By offering extensive benefits like an additional 5% discount on sale items, exclusive limited-time offers, unlimited free shipping on self-operated goods, offline discounts, voucher packages, and private online and offline sales, Vipshop has cultivated a highly loyal group of super users. In Q3 this year, the number of active SVIP users grew by 11% year-on-year to approximately 7.5 million, contributing 49% of Vipshop’s online sales.
By segmenting consumers and targeting paid members with tailored services and benefits, platforms can significantly enhance user loyalty and engagement. This creates a stable foundation for consistent GMV growth and recurring revenue while fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between platforms and super users. Furthermore, this cycle naturally attracts high-quality merchants to join, contributing to a sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.
In today’s competitive environment, this strategy strengthens a platform’s resilience and defines its long-term performance ceiling.
For example, ordinary users who join JD.com’s Plus membership see their annual spending and purchase frequency increase by more than 150% and 120%, respectively, within a year. Similarly, according to a 2024 report by CBN Research Institute on paid e-commerce memberships, 88VIP members were found to be the most loyal in the industry, with an 83% renewal rate. Alibaba’s official data shows that, during this year’s Singles’ Day, the scale of Tmall brands partnering with 88VIP grew by over 300%, driving new growth for brand sales.
As the mobile internet enters its later stages, the significance of membership-based economies is becoming increasingly evident. The quest to acquire, nurture, and retain members may hold the key to sustainable growth in this fiercely competitive landscape.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3065799731553664">article</a> was written by 36Kr Caijing.

In China’s e-commerce battle, memberships are the new loyalty currency

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Consumer Economy

… zones.</li>
</ol>
Energy costs and tax benefits are highly favorable for Chinese businesses. In KEZAD’s free zone, for example, industries can enjoy zero taxes. The UAE has no personal income tax and a value-added tax (VAT) rate of 5%, but KEZAD’s industrial sector is VAT-exempt, along with customs duties. Although businesses with over AED 375,000 (USD 102,100) in revenue must pay 9% corporate income tax, many industries are tax-exempt, such as manufacturing in KEZAD.
Labor-intensive industries may encounter efficiency issues, but high-tech and automated enterprises have a distinct advantage.
<figure id="attachment_146046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-146046" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-146046" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pony.ai-Neom-1024x768.jpg" alt="Photo of James Peng (third from left), co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, shaking hands with Majid Mufti (third from right), CEO of Neom Investment Fund, alongside representatives from both organizations." width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pony.ai-Neom-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pony.ai-Neom-300x225.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pony.ai-Neom-768x576.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pony.ai-Neom.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-146046" class="wp-caption-text">Pony.ai, a Chinese autonomous driving technology company, is among the notable Chinese firms to secure investment and partnerships with Saudi investors. In October 2023, it <a href="https://kr-asia.com/pony-ai-secures-usd-100-million-from-saudi-arabia-amidst-rising-middle-eastern-interest">raised USD 100 million in Series D2 financing</a> from the Neom Investment Fund, the investment arm of Saudi Arabia’s Neom future city project. Photo of James Peng (third from left), co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, shaking hands with Majid Mufti (third from right), CEO of Neom Investment Fund, alongside representatives from both organizations. Photo from KrASIA’s archive.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>36Kr: Saudi Arabia has grown rapidly in recent years. How does its infrastructure compare to the UAE’s in attracting investment?</h3>
YL: I’m not sure about other areas, but KEZAD provides fully developed infrastructure. Land is leveled, electricity and water are connected to the doorstep, and roads are built to the entrance. Rainwater and sewage systems are also completed underground before land is handed over to Chinese businesses, with no extra costs.
<h3>36Kr: Can you give a specific example? Would the cost of building a factory in the Middle East be higher than in China?</h3>
YL: I think the costs are actually lower. Take for example a modern agriculture company I helped introduce into KEZAD: land is very cheap after subsidies, electricity costs are half of those in China, and since operations require significant cooling, the savings are substantial. Taxes are minimal, and once the business grows to a certain scale, costs become very manageable. Labor needs are limited, but product prices in the Middle East are 3–4 times higher.
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<h3>36Kr: The Middle East has always been unstable, with events like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the <a href="https://kr-asia.com/red-sea-crisis-shipping-costs-skyrocket-dealing-setback-to-cross-border-sellers">Red Sea crisis</a>. In your opinion, does geopolitical risk affect the Gulf markets, and how can Chinese businesses mitigate such risks?</h3>
YL: This is a geopolitical issue, so I’ll keep my response brief. Looking at the UAE’s diplomatic behavior in recent years—such as hosting the presidents of China, the US, and Russia—it’s clear that the UAE does not take sides. The nation values freedom and openness, aiming to become the “Singapore of the Middle East,” with a fundamentally neutral stance.
Interestingly, many wealthy Russians have moved to the UAE in recent years, bypassing Singapore.
<h3>36Kr: How have Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s attitudes toward Chinese businesses changed in recent years?</h3>
YL: They are undoubtedly more welcoming toward China.
First, as the world’s largest energy consumer, China is an ideal customer.
Second, Saudi Arabia made significant purchases at the recent China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, including Chinese weapons.
Third, the region’s massive demand for infrastructure aligns with the strengths of Chinese companies, which are capable, cost-effective, and often willing to provide financing—making collaboration particularly appealing.
These factors collectively foster stable relationships, creating favorable conditions for Chinese businesses to expand into the Middle East.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3082382424078724">article</a> was written by Leslie Zhang for 36Kr.

Why are Chinese companies flocking to the Middle East (again)?

… cumulative retail market share, leaving limited room for smaller players to compete.
Intensified competition also accelerated the pace of innovation in the cleaning appliance sector. Since 2021, Ecovacs has consistently released at least one major product annually. Roborock and Dreame have moved even faster, with Roborock launching over two products per year and Dreame introducing four new models in 2023 alone. In contrast, Roidmi’s infrequent product releases left it trailing far behind its rivals.
In addition to missing key market opportunities, Roidmi found itself increasingly marginalized within the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Xiaomi’s third-quarter 2021 earnings report revealed its investments in over 300 IoT ecosystem enterprises, 210 of which were established before 2019. However, as IoT consumer product growth slowed to 8.57% in 2020, Xiaomi began streamlining its ecosystem, reducing SKU portfolios, and redirecting investments toward sectors like automotive and semiconductors.
Amid these shifts, Roidmi sought to rebrand and align with a new ecosystem partner. According to Tianyancha, Roidmi founder Wang Zhiqiang also served as the executive director and general manager of Wuxi Qingyi Smart Technology, a participant in Huawei HiLink’s smart appliance ecosystem. Despite these efforts, the partnership yielded little traction—the official WeChat account of Qingyi’s cleaning division has been dormant since June 2022.
Roidmi ultimately struggled due to internal limitations and poor strategic decisions at crucial moments. While the company achieved notable successes, such as spearheading Xiaomi ecosystem projects and earning international design accolades, it lacked the supply chain resilience and strategic focus required to thrive in a fiercely competitive market.
The rise and fall of Roidmi encapsulates the rapid evolution of the IoT and smart appliance industries. Once a standout in Xiaomi’s ecosystem during its prime, Roidmi’s downfall stemmed from its failure to adapt to changing market conditions and build strong ecosystem partnerships.
By the time Roidmi exited, the cleaning appliance industry had been upended by fierce price wars and accelerated innovation cycles. Its departure not only marks the end of a notable chapter but also serves as a cautionary tale for emerging brands navigating an increasingly volatile and competitive landscape.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3084245517744261">article</a> was written by Ye Danxuan for 36Kr.

Roidmi bows out: Xiaomi-backed brand succumbs to market pressures

A retail downturn in Hong Kong has hit myriad businesses, including restaurant operators that have seen their clientele abandon them for trips across the border, where their cash goes further.
One noodle chain operator from Japan is striving to ride out the slump, in part, by emphasizing its "Japanese-ness" and replicating what is hot in its homeland.
"The situation seems to be a bit better now, but still has not returned to the level in the past," said Kei Hasegawa, managing director of J-Foods Hong Kong. The company is a regional franchisee of Japan's Mita Seimenjo, which serves "tsukemen" dipping noodles, and Tonkotsu 8, which offers ramen in a pork bone broth.
Hasegawa spoke with Nikkei Asia the day before a renovated Mita Seimenjo branch reopened on December 11 in the busy commercial district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It had been closed for a month and a half for a refurbishment to match "the latest store design of Mita's outlets in Japan," he said.
Despite coming at a cost, which Hasegawa did not disclose, "We thought it was worth it," he said.
Like many other restaurant and catering businesses in Hong Kong, J-Foods is looking for ways to revitalize stagnant sales and foot traffic. Hasegawa admitted that business had been slow since around April.
Industry watchers blame the trend of more Hong Kongers heading to the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen for shopping, dining and entertainment, taking a substantial amount of income away from local eateries and merchants. Across the border, they find cheaper prices and improved service. Plus, the Hong Kong dollar—which is pegged to the US dollar—has been stronger against the Chinese yuan.
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Under the circumstances, J-Foods is trying to cope by taking advantage of widespread local appreciation for Japanese cuisine. The strategy, as he put it, is to "emphasize that we are serving things from Japan and putting that up front."
This includes bringing over a menu item that went viral in Japan after it was introduced last fall: "tamago kake men" (raw egg noodles), or "TKM." The operator hopes this will appeal to younger Hong Kongers who are keen to try new things.
Initially, TKM will be available on a trial basis for about a month. It is priced at HKD 96.8 (USD 12.4) with a mandatory 10% service charge—a typical price range in Hong Kong for a bowl of Japanese noodles, but about double what Mita outlets charge in Japan.
Despite the tough times, a range of other Japanese restaurants are <a title="" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Eat-Drink/Authentic-Japanese-eel-eatery-aims-for-splash-in-tough-Hong-Kong-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opening in Hong Kong</a> lately.
The maiden Hong Kong shop of Torikizoku, a Japanese izakaya-style tavern that focuses on chicken skewers, is set to open its doors on December 16.
Mita's Tsim Sha Tsui branch also has a new cohabitant opening its first Hong Kong shop on the same premises on December 16: Teppei Syokudo, which mainly serves "kaisendon" bowls of seafood on rice.
The brand, which has five outlets in Singapore, is keeping prices low. The cheapest bowl will be "negitoro don." Topped with raw tuna and scallions, each bowl will go for HKD 68 (USD 8.7), with no service charge. Teppei hopes to capture takeout demand at lunchtime.
Consumers' reluctance to spend is reflected in the local real estate market.
JLL, a major real estate management company, said in a report on December 11 that a recovery in the city's retail property sector "has been hindered by a decline in domestic consumption." At the same time, there is polarization, with "leasing activity sustained in top tier shopping streets while lower tier streets struggle to attract tenants despite highly negotiable rents."
Jeanette Chan, senior director of JLL's retail segment in Hong Kong, said: "The market will face increased downward pressure," with rents expected to fall by up to 5% on the year in 2025 in the city's prime streets and shopping centers.
Chan foresees more "flexible" leasing options as landlords scramble to retain quality tenants.
While this may present some opportunities for restaurants and retailers, Hasegawa said he has no concrete plans to expand beyond two Mita, three Tonkotsu 8 outlets, and the brand-new Teppei at this point.
Confirming the polarization, he said that the rent for its Tsim Sha Tsui branch in the K-11 Art Mall, a retail-museum hybrid shopping center owned by New World Development remains unchanged while that of other suburban outlets has fallen.
For now, the mission is one of survival.
"I don't expect the current severe situation to last forever, as I believe that the attractiveness of Hong Kong is still here," Hasegawa stressed. But he added, "We may need to endure for around one more year."
This article first appeared on <a tabindex="0" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Eat-Drink/Japanese-noodle-chain-cooks-strategy-to-endure-Hong-Kong-downturn" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="1">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing <a tabindex="0" href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="3">partnership with Nikkei</a>.

Japanese noodle chain cooks strategy to "endure" Hong Kong downturn

Japan

… commerce.
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Evolving alongside consumers</h3>
As consumers evolve, so must businesses. Content acts as a critical lens into consumer preferences and behaviors. Actions such as sharing, forwarding, and bookmarking do more than reflect interest—they spark latent purchasing needs. From a long-term perspective, every targeted investment in interest-based content has the potential to bear fruit over time.
However, businesses at different stages of development approach short- and long-term returns with varying expectations. This necessitates strategic flexibility to pivot when required. Companies must avoid falling into the trap of relying on past experiences—such as focusing exclusively on e-commerce tactics or prioritizing content creation without robust conversion mechanisms.
The relationship between content and commerce is not hierarchical but one of proportional alignment. That said, accurately assessing content’s value remains a challenge. Douyin recognizes this and aims to ensure its role as a content platform is not undervalued. In 2023, Ocean Engine introduced an omnichannel product equipped with scientific attribution and measurement tools to help businesses quantify content’s impact effectively.
In industries such as dining, home appliances, fashion, and tourism, between 40–80% of gross merchandise value (GMV) generated through Douyin occurs off-platform. Notably, this figure only accounts for traceable ad touchpoints, meaning Douyin’s true omnichannel value is likely far greater.
This underscores Douyin’s ability to deliver not just incremental opportunities but also exponential potential within its content ecosystem. Cases like Harbin’s tourism boom serve as powerful illustrations of growth driven purely by content.
Douyin’s seeding strategies effectively drive omnichannel conversions. This emerging growth paradigm is more than a solution—it is a structured process that can be deconstructed, analyzed, and replicated. Brands that recognize and reframe the value of Douyin’s content ecosystem stand to unlock its omnichannel potential ahead of the curve, leveraging precise moves to succeed in today’s challenging market landscape.
After all, growth belongs to the future, but execution must occur in the present.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3077326488975236">article</a> was written by Xiao Xi for 36Kr.
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How does Douyin fuel omnichannel growth for brands?

Douyin

Short Video

Live Streaming

Video

Creative

Content

… funding round. PDVC participated in the round through its angel mother fund. The investment will accelerate PGVerse’s product development and the construction of its spatial computing platform and spatiotemporal AI models. —<a href="https://36kr.com/p/3080981354067847">36Kr</a></li>
</ul>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Swipey, Funding Societies, CATL, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Swipey, a Malaysia-based fintech platform, secured an undisclosed investment from 1337 Ventures.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Funding Societies, a digital finance platform serving SMEs in Southeast Asia, raised USD 25 million from the Cool Japan Fund (CJF), marking CJF’s first foray into the region’s fintech landscape.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Contemporary Amperex Technology Company (CATL), the world’s leading electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is reportedly considering a secondary listing in Hong Kong, targeting at least USD 5 billion.</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: Bolttech raises Series C funding, Catcha Digital to acquire stakes in Tastefully and Drive 2 Digital, latest China deals, and more

Singapore

Malaysia