The Impulso Podcast

Explore the adorable world of capybaras and their viral ascent among Chinese youth. From their zen-like nature to being symbols of carefree living, they capture a collective desire for tranquillity amid rising competition. The discussion unveils the deep cultural connections between capybaras and the stress of modern life, particularly around education and success. The notion of 'lying flat' and embracing 'capybara energy' as a coping mechanism is highlighted, as hosts wish for a more peaceful 2025.

A Chinese EV manufacturer, Ji Yue Auto, faces turmoil as unpaid social security leads to employee distress, with one live streamer breaking down mid-broadcast. The podcast explores Ji Yue's struggles in China's fiercely competitive EV market and the reasons Baidu and Geely withdrew further investment. It also discusses the industry trend of consolidations and bankruptcy, alongside the rising use of live streaming in car sales. The challenges emerging manufacturers confront, especially in a hyper-competitive landscape, are critically analyzed.

Discover the origins of 11.11 Singles' Day, started by four university students as a tongue-in-cheek celebration. Learn how Alibaba transformed it into a massive shopping extravaganza in 2009, overcoming early infrastructural failures. Delve into the reasons behind the decline in GMV reporting and the festival's expansion into weeks. Explore whether frequent sales have led to 'sale fatigue' among consumers, and hear insights on how retailers can adapt to remain relevant in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

Unbox the allure of blind box collectibles with a dive into the Labubu craze! Discover how Pop Mart's quirky characters have become a sensation among Gen Z, fueled by addictive collecting psychology. Explore the innovative business strategies behind this phenomenon, including successful designer collaborations and exclusive IPs. As Pop Mart aims for Disney-like success, will they forge lasting emotional bonds with their audience, or is it all a fleeting trend? Join the fun and uncover the excitement behind this global toy empire!

Dive into the dramatic shifts in China's ecommerce landscape, including Pinduoduo's surprising Q3 earnings miss and a steep stock drop. Explore the implications of their ¥10 billion merchant subsidies aimed at improving quality and trust. Unpack Temu's strategic moves as it launches a full marketplace mode in the U.S. and opts for direct engagement over traditional lobbying. The competition is heating up globally, with platforms adapting unique strategies reminiscent of retail giants like Walmart.

A major shift in China’s ecommerce landscape unfolds as Alibaba merges its domestic and international operations. The spotlight is on Jiang Fan, a leader with a tumultuous past and a decisive, mobile-first approach to management. The merger not only aims to enhance synergies but also signals a strategic response to fierce competition, especially from rivals like Pinduoduo. As the race heats up, the implications for Alibaba and its future leadership are ripe for discussion.

China has shattered records with over 150 billion parcels delivered in a single year—enough to cover 30 million football fields! The podcast dives into the reasons behind profitable sales at just ¥9.9, despite the low prices. It also compares automation and human efficiency in managing millions of daily shipments and shares firsthand experiences from a bustling logistics hub. Listeners will discover the fascinating story of the 150 billionth parcel as well as surprising peaks in parcel volume, even on ordinary days.

The discussion reveals Sea Group’s impressive US$4.6 billion loan book, which has grown significantly while maintaining low non-performing loans. It highlights how Shopee leverages customer data to assess credit risk and boost e-commerce through BNPL services. In contrast, Grab, with a smaller loan book, is slowly but surely expanding its digital finance reach, despite its premium user base and ride-hailing model. The conversation also touches on the disparities in Southeast Asia's lending market and the evolving strategies in assessing creditworthiness.

Sea Group is seeing impressive growth, with Shopee's logistics arm, SPX Express, potentially matching J&T Express in parcel volume. The conversation delves into how Shopee's investment in logistics is creating a strong competitive edge against rivals like TikTok Shop. Innovations like Shopee Express lockers are discussed, highlighting their role in improving reverse logistics and enhancing the consumer experience. Plus, there's insight on market trends and the dynamics of e-commerce logistics in Southeast Asia.

Trump returns to the White House, Mr Modi meets President Xi in Russia. Are businesses ready to survive a world of shifting alliances and tariff threats? Back by popular requests, we’re re-introducing our weekly recap format in this episode as we dive into the latest economic and political developments reshaping business strategies across borders. As the world watches the U.S. elections, many companies globally, especially cross-border businesses in Asia, are already making bold moves to adapt—with some even setting up shop in Paraguay to avoid potential tariffs.  We also discuss the evolving coffee landscape, including Luckin Coffee’s and Cotti Coffee’s ambitious expansion plans. Where does incumbent Starbucks stand amidst this intensifying competition? Tune in as we weigh in on operational differences, consumer behaviour, and brand strategies of coffee giants globally.