Rui Ma

Who do you think the Chinese government considers its biggest rival? The United States, right? Actually, the Chinese government considers its biggest rival to be its own technology companies. It's China's tech companies who threaten its capacity to build a competitive China. That's why the Chinese government is cracking down on social media — for example, by limiting the number of hours youth can play video games, and banning cell phone use in schools. China's restrictions on social media use may be autocratic, but may also protect users more than what we see coming from the US government.It’s a complicated picture.This week on Your Undivided Attention, we're having a surprising conversation about technology in China. Here to give us a fresh take are two guests: investor, analyst, and co-host of the Tech Buzz China podcast Rui Ma, and China internet expert and author of Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built, Duncan Clark.

Rui Ma, a tech and finance expert with nearly two decades of experience in the U.S. and China, dives into the fierce AI competition between the two nations. She discusses how geopolitical tensions and U.S. export controls challenge China's AI sector while highlighting the resilience of its firms like Ant Group and Baidu. Rui contrasts open-source collaboration dynamics, showcasing emerging players like DeepSeek. She also elaborates on practical AI applications in China and provides a forward-looking perspective on the opportunities and hurdles ahead.

In this insightful discussion, Rui Ma, a tech and finance expert with nearly two decades of experience in the U.S. and China, delves into China's evolving consumer tech landscape. She highlights the rapid growth of local life services and the electric vehicle market, while also addressing the challenges in humanoid robotics. Rui discusses U.S.-China tech tensions and how media influences perceptions of Chinese innovation. With a keen outlook on the future, she considers whether the next wave of technological advancement will truly come from China.

Join Rui Ma, a top commentator on China's tech scene, and Robert Wynne, an industry veteran, as they delve into the remarkable success of 'Black Myth: Wukong.' The duo discusses its groundbreaking impact on both Chinese and U.S. markets. They explore the game’s cultural nuances that may confuse Western players and the challenges of introducing complex characters. Their insights extend to market strategies, the rise of AAA Chinese games, and the intricate dynamics of the gaming industry against the backdrop of political influences.

Rui Ma and Ying Lu, co-hosts of Tech Buzz China, illuminate the fast-evolving Chinese tech landscape. They discuss how they stay informed from the U.S. while exploring the rise of innovative consumer brands like Genki Forest and Shein. The conversation highlights community group buying transforming commerce in rural areas, along with China’s booming electric vehicle sector driven by major tech firms. Their insights reveal critical trends that challenge Western perceptions of China’s tech revolution.