At the recent XIN Summit, a distinguished panel of experts in Asia’s tech-globalization landscape convened to discuss strategies for Chinese technology companies aspiring to expand internationally. The forum, titled “From Local Champion to Global Disruptor: Scaling Asian Tech Beyond Home Markets,” was moderated by Jay Ian Birbeck, Founder and CEO of Bold Nation. During his observations of various startup initiatives, Birbeck noted, “Many teams clearly have the potential to go global, and what they need most is guidance and experience.”
The panel featured notable figures including Xu Chen, Managing Partner at Gobi Partners; Betty Lam, Head of China Marketing at TCF; Ryan Jang, Head of Global Business at Wadiz; and Huang Jiasong, Managing Director at Ansbo Investment. Their discussions focused on actionable insights for technology companies in China and the Greater Bay Area aiming to achieve scalable global growth.
China’s Edge in AI and Robotics
When the discussion turned to which technology sectors Chinese companies might dominate globally in the coming years, the responses were clearly centered on AI devices and robotics. Xu Chen highlighted that China has already established a significant advantage in robotic technology systems and supply chain capabilities. He asserted, “Whether in industrial or service robots, China’s capabilities will be exported globally in various ways.”
Betty Lam pointed out that advancements in Embodied AI and multimodal intelligent devices are on the rise, citing successful crowdfunding campaigns for AI translators and accessories. She remarked, “AI devices will not only become increasingly diverse, but underlying models will also become more localized and multi-agent. These innovations will create enormous potential.” Huang elaborated on the necessity of building a robust hardware-software synergy ecosystem in robotics, likening it to the partnerships seen in the past with Windows + Intel or today’s NVIDIA CUDA. He concluded, “Whoever can achieve this could become the next supergiant in the robotics field.”
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Betty Lam identified a significant pitfall for consumer electronics companies as the failure to engage with actual users. Traditionally, companies relied heavily on feedback from distributors, but today’s data landscape enables brands to interact directly with consumers through reviews and social media. She stressed, “Product-market fit (PMF) remains the first critical milestone before success.” An inaccurate user profile can lead to development missteps and marketing failures.
Challenges in Specific Markets
Ryan Jang shared insights on the challenges and rewards of introducing Chinese brands to the South Korean market. Often overlooked by many brands, South Korea is known for its discerning consumers who demand high standards in both aesthetics and functionality. He remarked, “Success in Korea often signals that a product can be highly competitive in other markets.” To support these endeavors, Wadiz has launched a multilingual platform and plans to introduce its own AI model for helping global teams, including Chinese manufacturers, develop effective localization strategies.
Huang Jiasong pointed out that the greatest challenge for robotics firms entering international markets is navigating the uncertainties related to local policies and geopolitical climates. He advised entrepreneurs to seek partners who genuinely share risks, highlighting the importance of establishing strong local partnerships to mitigate these uncertainties.
As Chinese tech companies look to broaden their horizons beyond domestic markets, insights from the XIN Summit highlight both the challenges and vast opportunities that lie ahead. The emphasis on understanding user needs, leveraging technological strengths in AI and robotics, and navigating international market intricacies provide a roadmap for aspiring global players in the tech space.
