AI innovation

At WAIC 2025, HiDream.ai unveiled advancements in multimodal agent technology for content creation, aiming for a productivity revolution. Their approach prioritizes practical application via a “MaaS-SaaS-RaaS” commercialization system, offering services ranging from foundational models to ready-made content. Technical leaps in their multimodal foundation model provide semantic consistency, precise control, and high image quality. Agents like Vivago and HiClip streamline content creation, tackling homogeneity in short videos and distribution inefficiencies in long-form videos.

China’s online retail market experienced robust growth in the first half of 2025, driven by pro-consumption policies and evolving consumer trends. Key drivers include government stimulus boosting electronics sales, demographic-specific needs (e.g., “new elderly,” Gen Z), and a dual focus on value and premium products. AI-driven innovation, personalized experiences, and the integration of online and offline commerce are reshaping the market. Immediate retail is aiding in the recovery of physical locations, with new entrants like JD’s food delivery gaining significant market share.

Fortune Magazine’s 2025 Most Powerful Women in Global Business list recognizes leaders steering multinational firms through AI adoption, supply chain shifts, and geopolitical challenges. GM’s Mary Barra, Accenture’s Julie Sweet, and Citi’s Jane Fraser top the U.S.-dominated ranking (52% of honorees). Notable figures include AMD CEO Lisa Su, advancing AI chip innovation amid U.S.-China trade tensions, and Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou (10th), driving China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency. Chinese executives Joey Wat (Yum China), Bonnie Chan (HKEX), and JD.com’s Xu Ran also feature prominently. The list underscores technology strategy and cross-border agility as critical to modern corporate leadership.