China's 'digital miracle' continues
A1: The thing that I am most interested in regarding China's internet is its penetration across the country. China has built a vast telecommunications infrastructure that makes it easy for anyone, whether it is in the bucolic countryside or China's most metropolitan city, to have access to the services we all now take for granted. China is already the largest mobile-based lifestyle country in the world. If you have a mobile phone in today's China, you have opportunities.
A2: Chinese internet companies are more global than ever before. Nearly all the major Chinese internet companies have a presence throughout the world and new startups no matter where they're based look to China for innovation. What's most interesting is the changing dynamics of tech companies globally. Many are defining their mission and their stakeholders, and then measuring progress in serving those groups rather than just shareholders.
A3: I use all sorts of applications from Chinese internet companies, from Alipay to Wechat. Most recently, I have been using Ele.me and the Fresh Hippo because it suits my fast-paced life. However, I also glance at TikTok from time to time. I guess I am a man of the times.
A4: While I am no expert in 5G, I am guessing that it could dramatically improve people's lives because convenience will be that much faster. Anytime one's connectivity to the digital world is increased, new opportunities come for inclusive growth. AI, like all emerging technologies, present positives but also challenges. What we do know is that countries with more advanced levels of AI or automation do not encounter higher levels of unemployment. Thus far in human history, new technology seems always to bring about more opportunities that more than compensate for the loss of jobs. What we should really care about is how to help people, especially those that are more affected, to make the transition. The nature of work is changing and every stakeholder, whether a tech company, a policymaker or an educator, needs to take notice.
