Q3

AI and digitalization are rapidly transforming industries across the globe. How are your China operations incorporating these technologies to boost efficiency, improve customer experiences, or unlock new revenue streams in light of the country's push for "new quality productive forces"?

ZHOU: China's thriving digital ecosystem, powered by cutting-edge 5G, AI and IoT technologies, has created transformative opportunities for multinational companies — from developing smart supply chains to enabling seamless digital integration and connecting with tech-savvy customers.

Building on this ecosystem, LDC has accelerated its own digital transformation journey in China, including through collaboration with upstream and downstream partners, working closely to drive integration and modernization in agribusiness and helping to shape safe, reliable and sustainable value chains.

Across our production facilities in China, we are leveraging data analytics and Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI and digital twins to drive operational excellence.

BUURMA: Messe Frankfurt's role as trade fair organizers is to facilitate industry growth and market demand. AI and digitalization are transforming industries, and are therefore prevalent across most of our global trade fairs. For example, in China, Intersec Shanghai recently made its debut, strongly emphasizing AI — and IoT-enabled applications in the security and safety sector. Meanwhile, the theme at the upcoming edition of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, "Light for Life", focuses on lighting with human-centric, health-conscious design, and lighting that is more integrated with IoT and AIoT and more sustainable. These are just two of many examples of our trade fairs in China harnessing AI and digitalization, with platforms such as seminars and product displays exploring these themes across our varied portfolio.

YIN: The concept of new quality productive forces highlights the development of "digital productivity" and "green productivity". Digital technologies, along with applications such as AI, can further enhance digitalization, electrification, and automation. This helps enterprises elevate their intelligence levels, boost efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. We believe that AI technology will become a critical component of new quality productive forces, providing stronger momentum for the transformation and upgrading of China's industries.

As a global leader in industrial technology, Schneider Electric believes that the true value of AI technology lies not just in advanced research, but more importantly in practical implementation that delivers measurable results.

CHENG: AI and digitalization are integral to our China operations. We are leveraging digital tools to optimize supply chain management in China, reducing delivery times and enhancing inventory accuracy. Additionally, through digital platforms, we provide personalized maintenance recommendations to Chinese customers, improving service convenience and loyalty.

By analyzing big data from vehicle maintenance records, we identify market trends and develop targeted product offerings, unlocking new opportunities in China's growing automotive aftermarket. At our Zhangjiagang plant, we use these tools and predictive analytics to optimize manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. By embracing new quality productive forces, we are not only improving our internal operations, but also creating new business models that open new revenue streams, such as data-driven services and digital-only product lines.

TAN: Skechers improves efficiency and customer experience in China by leveraging digital technology. Our logistics center in Taicang, Jiangsu province, has implemented semi-automated intelligent equipment and algorithms to enhance warehousing and distribution effectiveness.

Practical solutions are utilized throughout the entire industrial chain, encompassing all aspects from production and warehousing to logistics and sales, to enable precise tracking and effective management. At the same time, by using big data tools to accurately identify consumers' preferences, the brand effectively targets its audience, driving service optimization and uncovering new growth opportunities through technology.