Ashley’s BLOG

Ashley Dudarenok regularly writes about the latest news on the China market, Chinese consumers, tech giants, social media marketing and more while also sharing her insights and discussing the latest trends in China.

LATEST CHINA MARKETING
AND CONSUMERS INSIGHTS

Real-time engagement keeps customers coming back

Customer engagement is about creating meaningful interactions with your audience at every touchpoint. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about

Technological advancements have significantly transformed the retail industry. Innovations like omnichannel retail and conversational commerce have reshaped how retailers operate

future of AI in retail

The future of AI in retail is set to transform how businesses operate, innovate, and connect with their customers. Artificial

keynote speaker vs guest speaker

When planning an event, choosing the right speakers is crucial for engaging and inspiring your audience. Understanding the differences between

What is customer centricity? It’s the practice of placing customer needs, preferences, and experiences at the heart of business operations.

why customer centricity is important

In 2025, competition is even more fierce and customer expectations are always changing. Indeed the significance of customer centricity cannot

papers about customer-centricity

Customer centricity is a strategic approach that prioritizes the customer in every decision and action an organization takes. By focusing

Keynote speaker definition. Photo by Ashley Dudarenok.

In today’s fast-paced business world, the role of a keynote speaker has become increasingly crucial for conferences, corporate events, and

examples of customer centricity

Examples of customer centricity include the ability of people in an organization to understand customers’ situations, perceptions, and expectations. Customer

keynote speech

The global keynote-speaking market is dominated by the United States, followed by Europe and Asia. In recent years, Asia has

customer centricity

Customer centricity has emerged as a pivotal strategy for businesses seeking to thrive in today’s competitive environment. By placing customers

future of retail

The future of retail is characterized by a seamless integration of online and offline experiences, driven by advancements in AI,

What Virtual Health Assistants Mean for the Future of Healthcare in China
03Nov

What Virtual Health Assistants Mean for the Future of Healthcare in China

The idea of a virtual health assistant once conjured images of chatbots offering generic advice. In China, however, digital health has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem that combines artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, cloud infrastructure, and regulatory reforms. In 2025, the country’s health‑tech landscape has become one of…

What Are Service Robots and How RaaS Is Transforming Industries
26Oct

What Are Service Robots and How RaaS Is Transforming Industries

China’s service robotics sector has evolved from science fiction to real-world necessity. Across restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, and city streets, robots now perform tasks once handled by people—delivering meals, cleaning floors, or disinfecting hospital wards. The rise of the Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has made this transformation accessible. Instead…

Technology for Seniors and the Silver Economy in China
26Oct

Technology for Seniors and the Silver Economy in China

China is witnessing a rapid surge in its silver-haired population, presenting both challenges and opportunities. With over 300 million citizens aged 60 or older – roughly 22% of the population as of 2024 – ensuring a happy, fulfilling life for the elderly has become a pressing national…

XR for Business: How Extended Reality Is Transforming Marketing
24Oct

XR for Business: How Extended Reality Is Transforming Marketing

China’s XR for business sector has entered a decisive phase. What began as scattered VR and AR pilots is now an integrated national push—spanning 5.5G networks, cloud rendering, AI-driven spatial computing, and industrial digitization. Unlike Western markets, China’s XR strategy is anchored in policy, not hype. Ministries…

The Future of Robotics in Healthcare: How Medical Robots Are Transforming Care
13Oct

The Future of Robotics in Healthcare: How Medical Robots Are Transforming Care

China’s rapid demographic shifts, economic growth, and investments in cutting-edge technology have created fertile ground for the future of robotics in healthcare. In 2025, the nation’s population will continue to age rapidly, healthcare labor costs will increase, and the burdens of chronic diseases will rise. Yet China…

The Rise of ByteDance in 2025
09Oct

The Rise of ByteDance in 2025

In 2025, the rise of ByteDance had positioned the company as a global powerhouse beyond TikTok. Its dominance rests on three growth engines: Douyin’s ecosystem in China, TikTok’s international commerce push, and its Volcengine/Doubao AI platform. TikTok drives ByteDance’s global expansion, with TikTok Shop reshaping how consumers…

The Rise of Labubu: From Chinese Trend to Global Sensation
06Oct

The Rise of Labubu: From Chinese Trend to Global Sensation

Pop Mart (泡泡玛特), the Beijing-based collectible toy retailer, has sparked the rise of Labubu, transforming a quirky elf from its The Monsters series into a worldwide pop-culture icon. Since its debut in 2019, Labubu’s charm and emotional resonance have fueled a global movement—embodying creativity, nostalgia, and the…

What Is E-Commerce Personalization in China? 
23Sep

What Is E-Commerce Personalization in China? 

China’s e‑commerce personalization isn’t just fancy marketing—it’s the heartbeat of the system. They call it 千人千面 (“a thousand faces”), and yes, your Taobao feed is literally built for you. The AI personalization market in China was valued at approximately US$48.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to…

What Is Cross-Cultural Leadership? Leading Across Cultures with China
16Sep

What Is Cross-Cultural Leadership? Leading Across Cultures with China

Cross-cultural leadership is the ability to lead teams from different cultural backgrounds while respecting their values, communication styles, and decision-making traditions. In 2025, this skill will have become essential as global companies operate in highly complex, interconnected markets where cultural misalignment can undermine even the strongest strategies.…

What Is Retail Automation? Automation in China’s Retail Industry
08Sep

What Is Retail Automation? Automation in China’s Retail Industry

What is retail automation? China’s retail automation is no longer experimental—it’s a C-suite priority. In 2025, total retail sales are projected to exceed, but margins remain thin as labor costs climb and customer expectations shift. Delivery within 30–60 minutes is now standard in top-tier cities, and regulators…