Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Dudarenok Ashley, China Digital & Marketing Expert | Founder of Alarice & ChoZan
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
As I reflect on my career path, I feel energised and inspired by the journey itself. Working with high-profile clients like Coca Cola and Johnson&Johnson, I've been able to help global brands navigate the complexities of the Chinese market and establish a strong online presence.
Along the way, I've also had the opportunity to share my insights and expertise as a keynote speaker and author. From being featured on BBC and in Bloomberg and the SCMP, to publishing 10 books about Digital China, my passion for building bridges and helping businesses grow in China has been a driving force throughout my career.
Through it all, I've learned that success comes from being a calculated optimist, adaptable and embracing change in our rapidly-evolving industry and region. My journey is a testament to the fact that with high energy, determination, and a willingness to learn and put yourself out there, anyone can achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their field.
What are the highlights of the key digital innovation trends for 2022?
Looking back on 2022, it's clear that several important digital innovation trends drove technological advancements. One of the most significant trends was the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in various applications. AI and ML technologies were utilized to analyze data, automate processes, and enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of decision-making.
Another trend was the growing popularity of low- and no-code platforms for software development, which empowered non-technical individuals to create software applications without extensive coding knowledge, democratizing software development.
The continued growth of cloud computing was also a major driver of digital innovation. The flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing made it a critical enabler for companies to accelerate their digital transformation.
Additionally, the rise of new connected devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem presented exciting opportunities for businesses to create new services and products that leveraged real-time data generated by these devices.
Finally, cybersecurity remained a significant concern for organizations, as more digital assets and processes became vulnerable to cyber threats. These trends indicated that businesses continued to invest in digital innovation and transformation in 2022 to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of customers and stakeholders.
Can you give us some major examples?
Chinese brands are embracing key digital innovation trends in 2022 across various sectors. For instance, e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com are leveraging big data analytics, AI, and logistics automation to enhance customer experience and supply chain management.
Social e-commerce platform Pinduoduo is also leveraging AI and machine learning to provide tailored product recommendations, while TikTok's parent company ByteDance is expanding its use of AI and VR technologies and exploring new initiatives such as smart city creation.
In the technology industry, Tencent is investing heavily in 5G and cloud computing, while consumer electronics company Xiaomi is exploring innovative technologies such as virtual and augmented reality and investing in smart homes and IoT devices. Meanwhile, Baidu and Huawei are investing in autonomous driving technology to make vehicles safer and more efficient.
In the automotive industry, BYD is investing in electric vehicle technology and renewable energy while experimenting with autonomous driving systems. These brands are at the forefront of innovation in China, showcasing the country's growing technological capabilities and expanding influence in the global market.
Based on your experiences, what are the impactful trends in digital innovation that are becoming more important in the context of 2023?
Staying current with emerging and latest technology trends is crucial to energizing organizations and navigating changes in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology is evolving rapidly, and it’s empowering change and greater progress. One way to do this is through hyper-automation. It’s a process that involves automating repetitive tasks such as data input, onboarding, and payroll processing using software robots like RPA, integration platforms, and intelligent document processing. Another emerging trend is Everything as a Service (XaaS), which enables businesses to pay as they go for IT services like Security, Storage, and Database, rather than paying upfront costs and buying licenses. Curated Interactions, such as ChatGPT, use AI with human-like capabilities to produce texts, answer questions, and challenge incorrect assumptions, and Digitally Immune Systems (DIS) involves an entire architecture of practices that mitigate risks and boost business performance borrowed from software design, development, operations, and analytics.
In your opinion, how can they create high value for organizations?
In my opinion, I believe that these digital innovation trends and technologies that will continue in 2023 can provide significant value for organizations in the following ways:
Firstly, RPA and big data-based AI can help optimize daily operations by streamlining internal procedures and automating labor-intensive tasks that would otherwise take up a lot of employee time. This can lead to a significant increase in operational efficiency and effective corporate management.
Secondly, by shifting their IT infrastructure to the cloud and adopting a dynamic cloud computing service model, organizations can reduce costs, lower physical overhead, and obtain specific resources by subscribing to services from cloud vendors. This flexibility allows even SMEs to adapt to changing market conditions and improve their resilience.
Thirdly, ChatGPT can enhance workflows and deliver better customer experiences in various business applications with quicker response times and natural-sounding text. As it is designed to generate natural language responses when given input from a user, it can upgrade the customer experience and improve overall satisfaction.
Lastly, with DIS, teams can deliver high business value, mitigate risk, and increase customer satisfaction. Investing in building digital immunity can reduce system downtime by up to 80%, leading to higher revenue, according to a Gartner report. These digital innovation trends can significantly enhance business performance.
