THE rapid technological advancement has transferred China into major global economy. China did not miss agricultural revolution, industrial revolution as well as ICT revolution. Continuity in the economic policies, local government system and digital transformation are a key to success. The youth is engaged in productive and useful activities for individual and collective development. During 2016, an online social platform TikTok was developed. It comprised short videos and reels with different audio and visual effects. People having access to internet mostly use to watch reels after hours of work. In a very short span of time, it became a popular platform as all users have been given liberty to develop content of their choice. Everyone is trying to develop the content which may get maximum audience. This not only helped in creating popular entertainment stuff which is traditionally developed through organizations or institutions.
The people from different professions and regions have started developing videos and reels on various themes. It also included teaching of core concepts of different streams of knowledge. Key terms to complex ideas are now covered through it. The cultural, regional and now knowledge-based videos and reels are extremely popular. On similar analogy the Chinese Technology Companies are making brief discussion videos called Technology Talks or Tech Talks wherein the frequently asked questions related to products and services are responded in shortest time. Chinese university faculty employ Tech Talks to clarify concepts and re-engage students midway through lectures, leveraging the superior learning efficacy of video content over traditional methods. This practice not only revitalizes student focus but also provides firsthand knowledge from experts, fostering confidence and applied understanding.
The Chinese digital transformation has helped them to register all stakeholders involved in local, regional and national development. The automation has helped the country to collect taxes in a timely manner as well as a system with transparent information flow is established. It helps the decision makers to develop policies which are useful and beneficial for intended group of individuals or institutions. It all started through developing infrastructure for Internet in the country. The enabling environment for IT Business resulted in establishment of world leading companies like Alibaba, Tencent etc. Government’s regulatory framework helped for gaining confidence of the customer on e-commerce and especially on electronic payments in the country.
Currently, China is leading in e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), big data and entertainment domain. The transformation in these areas has been possible due to government’s support in terms of policies, frameworks innovation by the entrepreneurs and confidence of consumer on each of these sectors. The continuous growth in e-commerce has made China a global leader specially companies like Alibaba, Tmall and Tabao are significantly contributing in the modern ways of shopping. All these companies offer products for individuals as well as for businesses. The business models adopted by these companies are taught as a case study in various degrees offered in business and commerce education. Alibaba’s innovations are not limited to business models but also offering different user-centric approaches which relate to local, regional and national cultural events. Its Single’s Day is now world’s largest annual shopping event which generates billions of dollars in sales of the products and services.
The adoption of financial technologies has significantly bolstered company sales by diversifying the range of products available through online platforms and mobile applications. For example, Alibaba’s AliPay extends beyond mere payment processing, offering additional services such as translation assistance and online taxi bookings. This expansion has led to the widespread acceptance of a nearly cashless payment system nationwide, with QR code-based transactions becoming standard in shops across the country. Similarly, WeChat, a competitor to WhatsApp, provides a comparable array of payment solutions, contributing to China’s transition to a digitized economy. This shift not only simplifies tax collection but also enables a deeper understanding of consumer shopping behaviours, presenting new opportunities for service providers and government authorities to refine their policies and strategies in relevant business sectors.
The digital transformation of China from platforms like TikTok to Tech Talk shows the capability of the country to lead and innovate new engaging ways and means for their population which was falling to poverty during last century. The state institutions have played major role in transforming China into the 21st century. The state institutions and society has started journey in one direction, and they are moving forward in the same direction. The major role in this regard is played by the automation of the various systems and investment on their youth who was mobilized through entertainment channels and afterwards same platforms were integrated with various aspects of life. China has created a dynamic digital economy and society, and it is an opportunity for all to learn from those good practices. Disclaimer: The views expressed are author’s own and do not reflect the views of his employer.
—The writer is Director at Higher Education Commission, Islamabad.
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