Jack Ma’s new packaged food enterprise – Ben Cavender

 

Ben Cavender

Jack Ma, Alibaba’s founder, surprisingly got public again by investing in “Hangzhou Ma’s Kitchen Food”, selling prepared food. Business analyst Ben Cavender looks at the new move at CNN. “Packaged meals are becoming increasingly popular,” he told CNN.

CNN:

The Chinese market for ready meals — food that is ready to heat and eat — was worth about 71.1 billion yuan ($9.9 billion) last year, up about 28% from 2018, according to Euromonitor International.

Demand for other types of pre-packaged food has also shot up, with the market for meal kits — food boxes that require simple assembly or cooking — nearly tripling from 10.6 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) in 2018 to 29.1 billion yuan ($4 billion) in 2022, Euromonitor data showed.

While the focus of Ma’s venture is not immediately clear, “this is a space that has a tremendous amount of room for innovation,” said Ben Cavender, managing director of China Market Research Group, a strategy consultancy.

“Packaged meals are becoming increasingly popular,” he told CNN. “Consumers in some cases are choosing these meals as they are trading down and not dining out as much, but are also choosing them for access to variety and due to time constraints.”

He said habits formed during the pandemic — to stay in and opt for convenient food options — as well as an economic slowdown in China were likely prompting more people to turn their attention to the space.

“If, instead, this ends up being more about sales of fresh foods like fruit, there is also demand for a wider variety of high-quality options and reasonable prices, and this is a space where his ties to e-commerce … would add value,” Cavender added.

More at CNN.

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Why the equity market is wrongly shunning China – Shaun Rein

 

Shaun Rein

The equity market is shunning China, and especially Hong Kong, says business analyst Shaun Rein to the Schwab Network. But it is for the wrong reasons, as the economy is still bad, but slowly recovering, he says. Retail sales are going up, employment is improving and FDI is coming back in 2024, so reasons are enough to take those positive signs into account.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Why China consumers go for cheap during Single’s Day – Shaun Rein

 

Single’s Day (11/11) used to be the heyday for China’s consumerism, but this year the consumers went for the cheap stuff, says business analyst Shaun Rein at CNBC. Low consumer confidence forced the e-commerce platforms for the whole year to discount products, but Single’s Day was the cheapest event ever for consumers. Alibaba is losing its shine to newer platforms, he adds.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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How the 3D metaverse will change the internet – Alvin Wang Graylin/Ashley Dudarenok

 

Alvin Wang Graylin, interviewed by Ashley Dudarenok

Metaverse expert Alvin Wang Graylin of HTC explains to marketing guru Ashley Dudarenok how the 3D metaverse will change the internet, with China in a leading role, at Ashley’s weblog. Expect major unsettling developments in the upcoming 5-10 years.

Both Alvin Wang Graylin and Ashley Dudarenok are speakers at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need them at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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How the Communist Party stifled China’s history – Ian Johnson

 

Ian Johnson

In an in-depth account of his book Sparks: China’s Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future, author Ian Johnson explains how China’s rulers have been changing the country’s history to solidify their position. He quotes extensively the current generation of so-called underground historians, who use new technologies to reinstate their views on their history, for a talk at USC China Institute.

Ian Johnson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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China needs US firms to invest but those fear more Biden restrictions – Shaun Rein

 

Shaun Rein

President Xi Jinping has touched down in the US for talks with US President Joe Biden in an effort to get the relations on track between both countries. China’s economy needs US investments, says Shanghai-based business analyst Shaun Rein at CNBC, but US firms fear Biden might announce more restrictions on trade with China. While the economy is doing bad, China is still the world’s largest retail market and the US cannot afford to stay away, he adds.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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How does the Communist Party justifies its rule by controlling history – Ian Johnson

 

Ian Johnson

History called the communist party to save China, that is the way history is used by the party, says author Ian Johnson in a speech about his newly published book Sparks: China’s Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future in WorldOregon.  But the official history doesn’t remain unchallenged. “Ian Johnson explores how some of China’s best-known writers, filmmakers, and artists have overcome crackdowns and censorship to forge a nationwide movement that challenges the Communist Party on its most hallowed ground: its control of history,” says the website.

“Based on years of first-hand research in Xi Jinping’s China, Sparks challenges stereotypes of a China where the state has quashed all free thought, revealing instead a country engaged in one of humanity’s great struggles of memory against forgetting—a battle that will shape the China that emerges in the mid-21st century.”

Ian Johnson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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What to watch at the Biden-Xi Summit? – Ian Johnson

 

Ian Johnson

While the expectations for next week’s meeting between the presidents Biden and Xi are not high, there are four points to watch, writes China analyst Ian Johnson at the website of the Council on Foreign Relations. Those are Taiwan, fentanyl, the Israel-Hamas war, and Climate actions.

Ian Johnson:

In short, don’t expect huge breakthroughs. Gone are the days when presidents and premiers met Chinese leaders and came back with a briefcase full of business deals or other “deliverables.” And that’s not a bad thing. Those meetings were often empty, and many of the deals didn’t pan out—letters of intent to invest often languished, and China sometimes promised market access without delivering. Even though it’s easy to reject “empty talk,” it’s important that top leaders keep the channels of communication open.

Isn’t that true for all countries?

No, it matters more in dealing with China. The reason is that Beijing makes it hard for U.S. officials to understand who is advising Xi or what the decision-making channels are. Last year, Xi was appointed to an unprecedented third term as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, a position that essentially allows him to run China indefinitely. (Earlier this year, he got a third term as president, but this is an honorific title in the Chinese political system.) Now that he’s ended term limits and has this new third term, Xi is surrounded by people who owe their allegiance to him almost exclusively. Meanwhile, people of Xi’s age—he turned seventy earlier this year— have all retired. Also worrying is that China’s foreign and defense ministers both appear to have been sacked, and the heads of the military’s prestigious Rocket Force were also purged earlier this year, two rare examples of trouble at the top. The changes make it even harder to fathom who is running the show beyond Xi and his immediate circle of loyalists.

So there’s a real possibility that Xi is surrounded by yes-men, who might not want to tell him bad news. In this context, it matters that the president of the United States can talk to him directly to explain why American perceptions of China are so negative and what the direct risks this could bring.

It’s not clear, for example, if Xi is directly aware of risky maneuvers by the Chinese military in recent weeks—notably, the buzzing of a U.S. bomber flying in international airspace. Decisions about such exercises are probably made by commanders on the ground, but they are based on guidelines issued by Beijing. Letting Xi know directly that these events are dangerous and potentially catastrophic could be useful.

More at the website of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Ian Johnson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Philanthropy keeps on going strong despite financial trouble – Rupert Hoogewerf

 

Rupert Hoogewerf

The number of philanthropists on the annual Hurun Philanthropy List keeps on growing, despite the financial problems many have. The Country Garden founder and his daughter top in 2023, says Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman and chief researcher of Hurun Report with 34 tycoons making the 100 million yuan threshold, according to the South China Morning Post.

The South China Morning Post:

The founder and chairman of indebted property developer Country Garden top a list of 34 Chinese business magnates who each promised to give away at least 100 million yuan (US$13.7 million) to charitable causes in the last year…

The troubled, debt-ridden real estate sector is still the “main source of donations” on the philanthropy list, as well as the main source of wealth on Hurun’s list of rich individuals, said Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman and chief researcher of Hurun Report…

“Whilst philanthropy is not keeping up with wealth creation, the number of individuals donating 100 million yuan or more in a year has risen to 34 this year from two 20 years ago,” Hoogewerf said.

More in the South China Morning Post.

Rupert Hoogewerf is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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My career as a marketing expert – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Hong Kong-based marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok explains how she became what she is today at the Hong Kong women’s magazine Jessica: A Leading Voice in selling in China—a snippet of her insights: the blueprint for success.

Jessica:

Money as Energy: Investing Beyond the Balance Sheet

Ashley perceives money as more than a mere financial metric or symbol of success; she views it as a form of energy.

“Money is pure energy, money is nothing but energy. The energy is given to me not just to give me comfort… when I have a use case, I know what to do with this money, how am I going to contribute even bigger to the world.”

Her contemplation of money’s role is both philosophical and pragmatic, acknowledging the nuanced relationship women often have with finances. Ashley recognizes that cultural and familial influences deeply affect our financial mindset and behaviors from an early age, particularly for women, and how these can dampen financial aspirations. By conceptualizing money as “pure energy,” Ashley reframes the discourse from accumulation to purposeful distribution, from personal wealth to societal contribution.

Ashley envisions money as a means to empower and create positive change, transcending personal luxury to foster broader societal benefits. Her stance is clear: money is a vehicle for fulfilling potential and serving the community, not just an end goal.

Moreover, Ashley aligns her financial strategies with core values like enjoyment, value creation, and profitability. These principles guide her business choices, ensuring alignment with her identity and long-term vision. This approach marries personal satisfaction with business acumen, redefining financial success as the capacity to innovate, make a difference, and uplift one’s community.

Looking ahead, Ashley emphasizes adaptability and the pivotal role of education:

“The latest statistics said that a Gen Z in China today in their lifetime will likely change 12 careers… what do you need in order to be so agile? Education.”

She underscores lifelong learning as essential for thriving in an ever-evolving career landscape.

The Legacy of Empowerment

Ashley’s narrative weaves a vision where innovation is nurtured, diversity is embraced, and growth is relentless. The space she has created transcends the physical confines of her agency, fostering a mindset of empowerment that resonates with every individual she influences. Her story serves as a blueprint for change, a testament to the transformative power of asking the right questions. It is a journey of profound self-discovery that unfolds when one dares to pursue the answers.

Ashley’s path illustrates how curiosity can ignite passion and conviction. By challenging conventions and forging new templates for women in business, her leadership celebrates collaboration, mentorship, and talent cultivation. Ashley reframes limiting mindsets around gender and money, championing authenticity and education as drivers of success. With an unrelenting focus on growth and innovation, she leverages her expertise to guide brands into the complex Chinese marketplace.

Ashley’s courage to take the entrepreneurial leap, despite risks, ignites a call to action for others to fearlessly pursue their purpose and potential. Her inspirational journey empowers women to become trailblazers in their own right, turning curiosity into conviction.

More in Jessica.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Cautious optimism about China’s economy in 2024 – Shaun Rein

 

China’s economy looks better for 2024, says business analyst Shaun Rein, as multinationals are moving back their investments to China away from other destinations. Both consumer confidence and real estate are still in bad shape, but sentiments are moving in the right direction, he says at CNBC, despite the geopolitical tensions with the US.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Why women dominate China’s underground history telling – Ian Johnson

 

Ian Johnson

Author Ian Johnson recently published Sparks: China’s Underground Historians and their Battle for the Future, and discusses the dominance of women as underground historians with Jeffrey Wasserstrom at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. Women are relative outsiders in China’s power structures which puts them in a good position to document the country’s history, he says.

Ian Johnson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers request form.

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More on the same subject: ChinaFile Presents: China Reporting in Exile

Foreigners left China, but not because of COVID-19 – Gabor Holch

 

Gabor Holch

Foreigners have left China in large numbers, but the most important reasons were other than COVID-19, argues intercultural coach and consultant Gabor Holch in his video. Already before the coronacrisis, the exodus was taking place because economic growth was dropping, career opportunities for expats were diminishing and the expat community was already severely hit before the lockdowns, he argues.

Gabor Holch is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Why the passing of a colorless premier might matter to Xi Jinping – Ian Johnson

 

Ian Johnson

During his life, former Prime Minister Li Keqiang was mainly remembered for being side-lined by Xi Jinping. But after his sudden death he might become a problem for his former boss, writes author Ian Johnson at the Council on Foreign Relations, as it might be used as a way for the hidden criticizing of Xi.

Ian Johnson:

The sudden death of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang is the latest in a steady series of crises, mishaps, and blunders to afflict top leader Xi Jinping over the past two years.

The official Xinhua news agency said in a terse report that Mr. Li, 68, died of a heart attack early Friday morning in Shanghai. The death clearly caught Chinese officialdom off guard because an obituary had not been prepared, with the agency saying one would be issued later.

Mr. Li’s death is unlikely to alter the power dynamic at the top of China’s leadership. He had already retired from all posts and was not part of Xi’s inner circle. Although often seen as a pro-reformist moderate in contrast to the more authoritarian-minded Mr. Xi–he held a PhD in economics, and was seen as quick-witted–he never appeared to challenge his boss’s hardline policies. Compared to his more dynamic predecessors, especially the hard-charging Zhu Rongji in the 1990s and the reform-oriented (if tainted by family corruption) Wen Jiabao in the 2000s, Mr. Li was easily one of the most colorless premiers in the nearly 75-year history of the People’s Republic.

More at the website of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Ian Johnson is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Financial Commission: another pillar in China’s new government structure – Victor Shih

 

Victor Shih

Xi Jinping has been building up a new government structure and the just-installed Central Financial Commission will be key in making financial decisions for the central government, says political analyst Victor Shih in the Financial Times. The “de facto watchdog, planner, and decision maker for China’s US$61tn financial sector, weakening the power of state institutions such as the People’s Bank of China and China Securities Regulatory Commission.”

The Financial Times:

Wang Jiang, a veteran state banker, has been appointed executive deputy director of the office of the commission, reporting to He Lifeng, a vice-premier and Xi’s new economic tsar, the people familiar with the new body said.

Victor Shih, professor of Chinese political economy at the University of California, San Diego, said businesses should expect to be affected by the commission, which will have the final say on important deals including major mergers and joint ventures.

Shih said the commission would also control mid-level state financial sector personnel appointments and the regulations applied by government agencies. State institutions such as the central bank have already suffered a decline.

Since August, the chairs of some state banks have in effect outranked the PBoC governor in the Communist party hierarchy.

More in the Financial Times.

Victor Shih is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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Going global: key for getting rich – Rupert Hoogewerf

Rupert Hoogewerf

The 2023 Hurun China rich list sees changes, and Rupert Hoogewerf, the Hurun Report chairman and chief researcher, sees efforts to go global as a key factor for growing riches, he tells Reuters. PDD’s Temu, ByteDance’s short-video platform TikTok, and ultra-fast fashion brand Shein he sees as examples.

Reuters:

The founder of PDD Holdings saw his wealth swell by US$13.8 billion (S$18.8 billion) in a year, as a slowing global economy drove more shoppers to the Chinese company’s discount e-commerce platforms Temu and Pinduoduo, an annual rich list showed on Tuesday.

Mr Colin Huang, who founded PDD in 2015 and stepped down as chief executive in 2020, was the fastest riser in 2023’s Hurun Rich List, leaping seven places to be ranked China’s third-richest man, with a US$37.2 billion fortune. It also marked the first time he had broken into the top three ranking.

The growth of his fortune reflects the changing e-commerce landscape both in China, where consumer confidence remains low after three years of Covid-19 curbs, and abroad, where shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein are gaining steam. PDD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Billionaire Jack Ma, founder of rival Alibaba, which is currently going through a restructuring and working to fend off competition from the likes of PDD, fell one place from 2022 to the 10th spot.

The number of Alibaba shareholders on the list, which ranks China’s wealthiest people with a minimum net worth of 5 billion yuan (S$952.4 million), fell from 18 in 2022 to 12 this year.

Mr Richard Liu, who founded e-commerce giant JD.com, saw his wealth, and that of his wife Zhang Zetian, fall by US$6.2 billion since 2022 to US$8.26 billion, according to Hurun’s list.

JD.com’s shares fell to a record low earlier in October after banks cut its price targets, citing a weaker-than-expected recovery in consumer spending.

“Going global has been one of the key sources of growth this year,” said Mr Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report chairman and chief researcher, citing PDD’s Temu, ByteDance’s short-video platform TikTok and ultra-fast fashion brand Shein as examples.

The founder of bottled water brand Nongfu Spring, Mr Zhong Shanshan, retained his first place on the list for the third year running, with a US$62 billion fortune; while Mr Pony Ma, founder of social media and gaming giant Tencent, was second, with US$38.6 billion.

More in Reuters.

Rupert Hoogewerf is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

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