Technology

Youdao Reports Second Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

Published

1 month ago

August 22, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Youdao, Inc. (“Youdao” or the “Company”) (NYSE: DAO), an intelligent learning company with industry-leading technology in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Total net revenues were RMB1.3 billion (US$181.9 million), representing a 9.5% increase from the same period in 2023.
– Net revenues from learning services were RMB643.8 million (US$88.6 million), representing a 5.5% decrease from the same period in 2023.
– Net revenues from smart devices were RMB166.7 million (US$22.9 million), representing a 25.0% decrease from the same period in 2023.
– Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB511.2 million (US$70.3 million), representing a 68.4% increase from the same period in 2023.Gross margin was 48.2%, compared with 47.0% for the same period in 2023.

“In the second quarter, our financial performance was robust, with operating cash inflow reaching an all-time high and operating loss narrowing significantly year-over-year. Leveraging our advanced large language model capabilities and data advantages, we upgraded our college admission consultation services in Youdao Lingshi to AI-based College Admission Advisers, enhancing both the timeliness and personalization of our services. Driven by RTA (Real-Time API) and AI tools advertising, our online marketing services achieved record net revenues of RMB511.2 million in the second quarter, an increase of 68.4% year-over-year. AI-driven subscription services continued to expand, with the introduction of new applications, including Mr. P AI Tutor, marking a nearly 200% year-over-year increase of total sales in the second quarter. Overall, in the first half of this year, our strategic focus on digital content services, online marketing services, and AI-driven subscription services has yielded significant results, with major financial indicators showing year-over-year improvement,” said Dr. Feng Zhou, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Youdao.

“Looking ahead, with our teams’ continued execution and barring unexpected market changes, we expect the business to achieve full-year positive operating income in the near future. Youdao’s strength lies in our unique ability to advance AI empowerment across business lines, combining technical strength with operational excellence. The rapid development of our online marketing and AI subscription services proves this and will continue to drive our growth. Our online courses, underpinned by high-quality content and differentiated services, are another pillar of our future growth. In the long term, the future of AI + education looks incredibly bright and we will strive to lead the charge,” Dr. Zhou concluded.

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the second quarter of 2024 were RMB1.3 billion (US$181.9 million), representing a 9.5% increase from RMB1.2 billion for the same period of 2023.

Net revenues from learning services were RMB643.8 million (US$88.6 million) for the second quarter of 2024, representing a 5.5% decrease from RMB680.9 million for the same period of 2023.

Net revenues from smart devices were RMB166.7 million (US$22.9 million) for the second quarter of 2024, representing a 25.0% decrease from RMB222.2 million for the same period of 2023, which was mainly attributable to the decreased unit price due to the change of product mix.

Net revenues from online marketing services were RMB511.2 million (US$70.3 million) for the second quarter of 2024, representing a 68.4% increase from RMB303.6 million for the same period of 2023. The year-over-year increase in revenues from online marketing services was primarily due to the increase in the sales of performance-based advertisements through third parties’ internet properties, which was driven by our continued investments in cutting-edge AI technology.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB636.8 million (US$87.6 million), representing a 12.3% increase from RMB567.2 million for the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 48.2% for the second quarter of 2024, compared with 47.0% for the same period of 2023.

Gross margin for learning services was 60.0% for the second quarter of 2024, compared with 57.4% for the same period of 2023.

Gross margin for smart devices was 30.3% for the second quarter of 2024, compared with 35.8% for the same period of 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to a lower revenue base of smart devices.

Gross margin for online marketing services was 39.1% for the second quarter of 2024, compared with 31.9% for the same period of 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to the improved gross margin profile of performance-based advertisements through third parties’ internet properties compared with the same period of last year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were RMB709.3 million (US$97.6 million), compared with RMB856.3 million for the same period of last year.

Sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were RMB515.7 million (US$71.0 million), representing a decrease of 12.2% from RMB587.7 million for the same period of 2023. This decrease was attributable to the reduced marketing expenditures and outsourcing labor service fees in learning services in the second quarter of 2024.

Research and development expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were RMB153.0 million (US$21.1 million), representing a decrease of 25.4% from RMB205.1 million for the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased headcount for research and development employees, leading to payroll savings in the second quarter of 2024.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2024 were RMB40.6 million (US$5.6 million), representing a decrease of 36.1% from RMB63.6 million for the same period of 2023. The decrease was primarily due to decreased expected credit losses on our accounts receivables, as well as the decreased headcount for general and administrative employees, leading to payroll savings in the second quarter of 2024.

Loss from Operations

As a result of the foregoing, loss from operations for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB72.6 million (US$10.0 million), compared with RMB289.1 million for the same period in 2023. The margin of loss from operations was 5.5%, compared with 24.0% for the same period of last year.

Net Loss Attributable to Youdao’s Ordinary Shareholders

Net loss attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB99.5 million (US$13.7 million), compared with RMB299.2 million for the same period of last year. Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Youdao’s ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB96.0 million (US$13.2 million), compared with RMB283.6 million for the same period of last year.

Basic and diluted net loss per American depositary share (“ADS”) attributable to ordinary shareholders for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB0.85 (US$0.12), compared with RMB2.45 for the same period of 2023. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders was RMB0.82 (US$0.11), compared with RMB2.32 for the same period of 2023.

Other Information

As of June 30, 2024, Youdao’s cash, cash equivalents, current and non-current restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments totaled RMB568.5 million (US$78.2 million), compared with RMB527.1 million as of December 31, 2023. For the second quarter of 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB250.2 million (US$34.4 million), capital expenditures totaled RMB3.8 million (US$0.5 million). Youdao’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on management’s ability to implement an effective business plan amid a changing regulatory environment, generate operating cash flows, and secure external financing for future development. To support Youdao’s future business, NetEase Group has agreed to provide financial support for ongoing operations. As of June 30, 2024, Youdao has received various financial support from the NetEase Group, including, among others, RMB878.0 million short-term loans, and US$126.5 million long-term loans with maturity dated March 31, 2027 drawn down under the US$300.0 million revolving loan facility.

As of June 30, 2024, the Company’s contract liabilities, which mainly consisted of deferred revenues generated from Youdao’s learning services, were RMB1.0 billion (US$142.9 million), compared with RMB1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Share Repurchase Program

On November 17, 2022, the Company announced that its board of directors had authorized the Company to adopt a share repurchase program in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for up to US$20.0 million of its Class A ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs) during a period of up to 36 months. This amount was subsequently increased to US$40.0 million in August 2023. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 7.5 million ADSs for around US$33.8 million in the open market under the share repurchase program.

Conference Call

Youdao’s management team will host a teleconference call with simultaneous webcast at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 22, 2024 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time: 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024). Youdao’s management will be on the call to discuss the financial results and answer questions.

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

United States (toll free):

+1-888-346-8982

International:

+1-412-902-4272

Mainland China (toll free):

400-120-1203

Hong Kong (toll free):

800-905-945

Hong Kong:

+852-3018-4992

Conference ID:

8395069

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.youdao.com.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until August 29, 2024:

United States:

+1-877-344-7529

International:

+1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code:

8395069

About Youdao, Inc.

Youdao, Inc. (NYSE: DAO) is an intelligent learning company with industry-leading technology in China dedicated to developing and using technologies to provide learning content, applications and solutions to users of all ages. Building on the popularity of its online knowledge tools such as Youdao Dictionary and Youdao Translation, Youdao now offers smart devices, STEAM courses, adult and vocational courses, and education digitalization solutions. In addition, Youdao has developed a variety of interactive learning apps. Youdao was founded in 2006 as part of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES; HKEX: 9999), a leading internet technology company in China.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.youdao.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

Youdao considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income/(loss) per ADS, as supplemental metrics in reviewing and assessing its operating performance and formulating its business plan. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

Youdao defines non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders as net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and impairment of long-term investments. Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to the Company’s ordinary shareholders enables Youdao’s management to assess its operating results without considering the impact of these items, which are non-cash charges in nature. Youdao believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors in understanding and evaluating the Company’s current operating performance and prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, which possibly do not reflect all items of expense that affect our operations. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures Youdao uses may differ from the non-GAAP measures uses by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this release.

The accompanying table has more details on the reconciliation between our GAAP financial measures that are mostly directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. Youdao encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2672 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on June 28, 2024 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The announced results of the second quarter of 2024 are preliminary and subject to adjustments. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Jeffrey Wang
Youdao, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980
E-mail: IR@rd.netease.com

Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com

In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com

YOUDAO, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(RMB and USD in thousands)

As of December 31,

As of June 30,

2023

2024

RMB

USD (1)

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

454,536

500,811

68,914

Time deposits

277

282

Restricted cash

395

1,719

237

Short-term investments

71,848

62,501

8,600

Accounts receivable, net

354,006

393,111

54,094

Inventories

217,067

195,726

26,933

Amounts due from NetEase Group

26,117

68,104

9,371

Prepayment and other current assets

175,705

176,881

24,340

Total current assets

1,299,951

1,399,135

192,528

Non-current assets:

Property, equipment and software, net

70,906

59,513

8,189

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

89,022

89,252

12,281

Long-term investments

51,396

77,469

10,660

Goodwill

109,944

15,129

Other assets, net

44,976

46,196

6,357

Total non-current assets

366,244

382,374

52,616

Total assets

1,666,195

1,781,509

245,144

Liabilities, Mezzanine Equity and Shareholders’ Deficit

Current liabilities:

Accounts payables

159,005

110,644

15,225

Payroll payable

282,679

194,622

26,781

Amounts due to NetEase Group

82,430

74,164

10,205

Contract liabilities

1,052,622

1,038,676

142,927

Taxes payable

52,781

47,482

6,534

Accrued liabilities and other payables

591,770

743,511

102,310

Short-term loans from NetEase Group

878,000

120,817

Total current liabilities

3,099,287

3,087,099

424,799

Non-current liabilities:

Long-term lease liabilities

49,337

42,265

5,816

Long-term loans from NetEase Group

630,360

905,553

124,608

Other non-current liabilities

16,314

16,879

2,323

Total non-current liabilities

696,011

964,697

132,747

Total liabilities

3,795,298

4,051,796

557,546

Mezzanine equity

37,961

38,532

5,302

Shareholders’ deficit:

Youdao’s shareholders’ deficit

(2,186,736)

(2,329,034)

(320,486)

Noncontrolling interests

19,672

20,215

2,782

Total shareholders’ deficit

(2,167,064)

(2,308,819)

(317,704)

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ deficit

1,666,195

1,781,509

245,144

Note 1:

The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (USD) is based on the noon buying rate of USD1.00=RMB7.2672 on the last
trading day of June (June 28, 2024) as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board.

YOUDAO, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(RMB and USD in thousands, except share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

USD (1)

RMB

Net revenues:

Learning services

680,920

717,996

643,762

88,585

1,413,341

1,361,758

Smart devices

222,157

181,198

166,722

22,942

434,906

347,920

Online marketing services

303,557

492,665

511,237

70,348

521,657

1,003,902

Total net revenues

1,206,634

1,391,859

1,321,721

181,875

2,369,904

2,713,580

Cost of revenues (2)

(639,459)

(710,356)

(684,942)

(94,251)

(1,200,879)

(1,395,298)

Gross profit

567,175

681,503

636,779

87,624

1,169,025

1,318,282

Operating expenses:

Sales and marketing expenses (2)

(587,651)

(455,440)

(515,711)

(70,965)

(1,152,856)

(971,151)

Research and development expenses (2)

(205,076)

(146,723)

(152,987)

(21,052)

(387,906)

(299,710)

General and administrative expenses (2)

(63,579)

(49,416)

(40,634)

(5,591)

(113,185)

(90,050)

Total operating expenses

(856,306)

(651,579)

(709,332)

(97,608)

(1,653,947)

(1,360,911)

(Loss)/Income from operations

(289,131)

29,924

(72,553)

(9,984)

(484,922)

(42,629)

Interest income

2,154

975

917

126

4,448

1,892

Interest expense

(17,087)

(20,334)

(20,816)

(2,864)

(32,850)

(41,150)

Others, net

5,730

2,892

(909)

(125)

12,108

1,983

(Loss)/Income before tax

(298,334)

13,457

(93,361)

(12,847)

(501,216)

(79,904)

Income tax (expenses)/benefits

(4,890)

1,028

(7,053)

(970)

(8,091)

(6,025)

Net (loss)/income

(303,224)

14,485

(100,414)

(13,817)

(509,307)

(85,929)

Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests

4,065

(2,053)

939

129

5,795

(1,114)

Net (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company

(299,159)

12,432

(99,475)

(13,688)

(503,512)

(87,043)

Basic net (loss)/income per ADS

(2.45)

0.11

(0.85)

(0.12)

(4.12)

(0.74)

Diluted net (loss)/income per ADS

(2.45)

0.10

(0.85)

(0.12)

(4.12)

(0.74)

Shares used in computing basic net (loss)/income per ADS

122,247,009

118,317,220

117,173,272

122,257,874

117,745,253

Shares used in computing diluted net (loss)/income per ADS

122,247,009

118,928,848

117,173,272

122,257,874

117,745,253

Note 1:

The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (USD) is based on the noon buying rate of USD1.00=RMB7.2672 on the last trading day of June (June 28, 2024)
as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board.

Note 2:

Share-based compensation in each category:

Cost of revenues

1,049

778

727

100

2,308

1,505

Sales and marketing expenses

2,416

1,136

337

3,547

1,473

Research and development expenses

5,618

3,503

939

129

10,403

4,442

General and administrative expenses

3,261

2,479

1,506

208

6,582

3,985

YOUDAO, INC.

UNAUDITED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(RMB and USD in thousands)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

USD

RMB

Net revenues

Learning services

680,920

717,996

643,762

88,585

1,413,341

1,361,758

Smart devices

222,157

181,198

166,722

22,942

434,906

347,920

Online marketing services

303,557

492,665

511,237

70,348

521,657

1,003,902

Total net revenues

1,206,634

1,391,859

1,321,721

181,875

2,369,904

2,713,580

Cost of revenues

Learning services

290,155

264,759

257,482

35,431

568,280

522,241

Smart devices

142,544

122,060

116,274

16,000

271,132

238,334

Online marketing services

206,760

323,537

311,186

42,820

361,467

634,723

Total cost of revenues

639,459

710,356

684,942

94,251

1,200,879

1,395,298

Gross margin

Learning services

57.4 %

63.1 %

60.0 %

59.8 %

61.6 %

Smart devices

35.8 %

32.6 %

30.3 %

37.7 %

31.5 %

Online marketing services

31.9 %

34.3 %

39.1 %

30.7 %

36.8 %

Total gross margin

47.0 %

49.0 %

48.2 %

49.3 %

48.6 %

YOUDAO, INC.

UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(RMB and USD in thousands, except per ADS data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

March 31,

June 30,

2023

2024

2023

2024

RMB

USD

RMB

Net (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company

(299,159)

12,432

(99,475)

(13,688)

(503,512)

(87,043)

Add: share-based compensation

12,344

7,896

3,509

483

22,840

11,405

impairment of long-term investment

3,240

–

3,240

–

Non-GAAP net (loss)/income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the
Company

(283,575)

20,328

(95,966)

(13,205)

(477,432)

(75,638)

Non-GAAP basic net (loss)/income per ADS

(2.32)

0.17

(0.82)

(0.11)

(3.91)

(0.64)

Non-GAAP diluted net (loss)/income per ADS

(2.32)

0.17

(0.82)

(0.11)

(3.91)

(0.64)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/youdao-reports-second-quarter-2024-unaudited-financial-results-302228349.html

SOURCE Youdao, Inc.

Technology

Data Center Asia 2025 Set for Ground-breaking Launch in Hong Kong

Published

55 mins ago

September 23, 2024

HONG KONG, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Positioned as an essential knowledge exchange platform and a cross-continental meeting place for the industry, Data Center Asia (DCA), organized by Informa Markets Asia, is set to make its grand debut from 15 to 17 July 2025 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. Building on the success of the long-running, AFCOM-affiliated Data Center World event in the US, Data Center Asia will serve as the epicenter for data center technology innovations and business transformations in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific markets, with highlights to the regional hotspots such as the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Hong Kong as a prime event location allows the event to attract a diverse visitor mix across Asia-Pacific region and boost the connectivity with global markets.

By showcasing the end-to-end data center value chain, DCA 2025 promises to be a transformative moment for Asia’s data center ecosystem, offering unparalleled opportunities for education, networking and sourcing that will shape the future of digital infrastructure. The event will be co-located with Build4Asia, The Battery Show Asia and Mobility Tech Asia, bringing content and visitor synergies under a broad renewable energy theme that covers advanced battery technologies, energy storage, electric/hybrid technologies, green facilities and green building solutions, and other relevant subjects.

The Ultimate Showcase of Data Center Innovations

The three-day DCA 2025 will showcase hundreds of advanced solutions designed to help attendees refine their data center strategies. Exhibitors will span the entire data center industry ecosystem, bringing together every key element from data center infrastructure, design engineering and systems integration, intelligent products and technologies, cloud and virtualisation to telecommunications. Corporate users and industry professionals including data center operators, IT and infrastructure managers, facility managers, cloud service experts, cybersecurity specialists and sustainability advocates will have the opportunity to connect with top-tier global suppliers, explore the latest technologies, and rethink the full lifecycle of data center operations.

Held alongside the exhibition, The DCA conference will feature a series of expertly curated tracks, each focused on the latest trends and best practice in the industry. Featuring over 100 top-tier speakers across the region and from outside Asia, attendees will engage in in-depth discussions on key topics such as the current market landscape, energy efficiency & sustainability, data center design & operations, among many others. This dynamic exchange of ideas will inject new energy into the data center communities, offering attendees invaluable insights and practical takeaways.

Hong Kong as a Springboard to China and the Wider Asian Markets

Strategically located in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong bridges between Mainland China and the rest of the world, offering unmatched access for foreign businesses to enter the burgeoning GBA and the wider China markets and meanwhile enabling China local enterprises to expand their global footprint. Situated at AsiaWorld-Expo, which is conveniently located next to the Hong Kong International Airport and near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, DCA 2025 ensures seamless access for visitors from all directions, making it an ideal platform to foster global connections and explore trans-continental business opportunities.

Hong Kong is distinguished by its superior connectivity, deep talent pool and advanced hardware infrastructure that complement the essential needs of the data center industry. The city’s commitment to supporting this sector is evident in its significant government initiatives, including subsidies for relevant R&D projects and the redevelopment initiatives to convert industrial buildings into the state-of-the-art data centers. These efforts are also complemented by Hong Kong’s strong supply-demand dynamics within key industries such as finance, trade, insurance and logistics, which drive lasting and robust needs for data center solutions. All these offer a fertile environment for investment and growth to the data center.

Strategic Co-Location for Maximum Synergy

As a strategic move to create powerful synergies, DCA 2025 will be co-located with three other technology-focused events held across seven standard halls at AsiaWorld-Expo:

the locally acclaimed Build4Asia, which specializes in green building, smart facilities and efficient power managementthe inaugural edition of The Battery Show Asia, which showcases the advancements in advanced battery and energy storage technologiesthe newly created Mobility Tech Asia, which explores the future of new energy vehicles across land, air and water.

This co-location is set to attract a diverse audience encompassing regional professionals from Internet Data Center (IDC) experts, EPC contractors, data center infrastructure manufacturers and distributors, end users and more, which would offer a broader perspective on data applications and drive valuable cross-sector exchange.

In addition, leveraging Informa’s extensive technology media network including Data Center Knowledge, InformationWeek, Network Computing and OMdia, DCA 2025 will serve up unprecedented opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and business collaborations. The extensive industry expertise and audience base brought by these sister brands will significantly enhance the event’s global impact and educational value.

Join Us to Shape the Future of Data Center

Data Center Asia 2025 is set to be a premier destination for business networking and knowledge exchange and an industry-leading think tank. The event will cultivate a vibrant community of researchers, business leaders, industry associations and opinion makers, all of whom will contribute ground-breaking insights that could make a lasting impact on Asia’s data center industry. Join us in Hong Kong from 15 to 17 July 2025 and be a part of the conversation that will shape the future of Asian data center industry!

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

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SOURCE Informa Markets Asia; Data Center Asia

Technology

On Track for A Low Carbon Future: CRRC to Unveil Passenger and Freight Rail Transit and Full Life-Cycle System Solutions at InnoTrans 2024

Published

2 hours ago

September 23, 2024

BERLIN, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Under the theme of On Track for A Low Carbon Future, CRRC Corporation Limited (“CRRC”, SHA: 601766) will display its line-up of passenger and freight transportation offerings, alongside full life-cycle system solutions, at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Highlighting the event, two innovative, eco-friendly, and intelligent trains will make their world premiere: the CINOVA H2 New Energy Intelligent Intercity Train and the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) 2.0, at Stand 210, Hall 4.2 of the venue.

Green Intelligent Passenger Transport Solutions

CRRC will showcase its environmentally responsible and intelligent passenger transport solutions, which include the Intelligent EMU, Intercity/Regional EMU, Intelligent Urban Rail Transit, and New Energy Passenger Transportation. These offerings cater to every speed level and application scenario, envisioning a future of passenger transport that is faster, greener, smarter, and more cost-effective.

The exhibition will highlight standout products that are redefining passenger mobility, including the 350 km/h High-Speed Intelligent EMU, the CINOVA 2.0 New Intelligent Intercity/Regional EMU, the 160 km/h Hydrogen Full-Automatic Intelligent Regional Train, and the Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART).

Diversified Freight Transport Solutions

CRRC introduce a wide range of heavy-duty, fast, and environmentally responsible solutions during the event. To address the growing demand for higher freight capacity, CRRC plans to unveil several new products, among them, the 24-axle Freight Electric Locomotive and the 45-ton Axle Load Ore Car. The 350 km/h High-Speed Freight EMU, the fastest and the most spacious in the industry, will be a focal point. In line with the global push for green transportation, CRRC will launch its serialized new energy locomotives, including the diesel-battery hybrid locomotive, the power battery locomotive, and the hydrogen-battery hybrid locomotive, with power levels from 1000KW to 2000KW. The diversified solutions offer more choices for the global railway freight industry.

Full Life-Cycle System Solutions

CRRC will showcase its expertise beyond just train units with the Train-Ground Integrated Electromechanical System (TIES), a game-changer that centers on the vehicle and incorporates all related operating scenarios. The system reconstructs, integrates, and optimizes the electromechanical system for power supply, signaling, track, depot and passenger service scenarios. It exemplifies the Train-Ground Integration concept, driving overall efficiency gains across disciplines and throughout the entire vehicle-road-station-depot lifecycle.

Focusing on user experience and the diverse needs of the global rail transit market, CRRC will give a detailed presentation on its Digital Life-Cycle System Solution (DLS) at the event. The flexible solution accommodates various city sizes and populations through tailored system designs that support diverse business models such as PPP (public-private partnership), system integration, and electro-mechanical turnkey projects.

For more information about CRRC at the exhibition, please visit https://www.crrcgc.cc/en/.

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SOURCE CRRC Corporation Limited

Technology

Reshaping Future Lifestyles: Markor Unveils AI Strategy at the Apsara Conference

Published

2 hours ago

September 23, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On September 19, the 2024 China Apsara Conference, a major annual event for the Chinese cloud computing industry, commenced in Hangzhou. Over three days, industry representatives, media professionals, and numerous AI technology enthusiasts gathered to witness the event’s grandeur.

This year’s summit, themed “AI on Cloud: Recharging• Innovating • Transforming,” spotlighted the evolution of cloud computing across various sectors in the AI era, presenting the world’s largest showcase of generative AI applications. Industry giants including NVIDIA, Intel, Alibaba Cloud, and Tesla were in attendance. Markor distinguished itself as the sole home furnishing company represented at the summit, presenting its cutting-edge “AI Smart Home” system, which introduced a new era of AI-driven home consumption experiences, attracting significant attention.

Live at the Scene: Markor’s AI Smart Home Takes a Giant Leap Forward

From its transition to new retail in recent years to its embrace of AI, the home furnishing industry’s exploration and implementation of AI have drawn immense attention. It has been recognized as a long-term strategy that will influence the future of urban living and people’s quality of life.
In 2023, dubbed the first year of AI in China, Markor led the industry by launching its AI-powered home application, “AI Smart Home.” This program integrates cutting-edge AI model technology with a curated selection of best-selling products, offering features such as a home knowledge encyclopedia, lifestyle analysis and recommendations, design style suggestions, furniture recommendations, and one-click product replacements, providing users with 24/7 intelligent home design and easy home setup solutions.

The AI Smart Home system revolutionizes traditional home setup processes, enabling users to enjoy services conveniently via mobile devices. At the summit, Markor provided live demonstrations of the AI Smart Home system, with an interactive area for hands-on experiences. The system’s ease of use, wide range of style options, instant results, one-click sharing, and seamless purchasing capabilities ushered in a new era, allowing attendees to transition from imagining AI-powered home setups to instantly experiencing full-room services. The audience was left impressed and full of praise.

As the world’s first AI multimodal model for professional interior design, and the only AI application to incorporate a large language model in home furnishing retail, the AI Smart Home offers flexible and dynamic solutions that go beyond pre-existing layout-generated designs. It represents a groundbreaking leap in the home industry, emerging as a leading tool that reshapes service ecosystems.

Open, Shared, and Collaborative AI Business Achievements Define AI’s Sustainable Future

As a traditional home furnishing retailer closely tied to people’s daily lives, the success of AI Smart Home is no coincidence. Markor’s global strategy and presence ensure that the brand remains open and internationally competitive. Whether through prestigious awards or its global manufacturing footprint, each leap in innovation is supported by its competitive edge.
Since the beta launch of AI Smart Home by Markor Furnishings, a home furnishing brand under Markor, it has recorded over 50,000 page visits in a short time, with tens of thousands of users generating sales orders worth tens of millions of yuan. This achievement has boosted confidence in the traditional industry’s digital transformation.
A representative of Markor at the summit stated, “AI represents openness, and Markor has always embraced the times through an open ecosystem to meet users’ needs. With over 20 years of accumulated lifestyle experience, we aim to extend the reach of quality living experiences through AI interaction and expansion. The true sustainable future of AI lies in achieving shared success among users, brands, and technology platforms.”

It is evident that Markor is not simply focused on app development; it is committed to a long-term strategy that builds AI-driven lifestyles and reshapes business models. By creating personalized shopping experiences and innovating marketing models that cater to new consumer demands, Markor’s AI-based tools like “AI Xiaomei” and “AI Smart Home” serve as personalized recommendation and virtual design solutions. The company is poised to further enhance its services by leveraging AI to accurately predict market trends, optimize advertising effectiveness, and upgrade customer solutions, thus driving marketing conversion opportunities. Through disruptive shopping experiences and business models, Markor aims to become the world’s first AI-driven home furnishing brand with a fully digital and intelligent shopping experience.

Pioneering Future Living with AI: Unlocking New Opportunities

Markor is committed to leveraging technological convenience, unlocking potential, and sharing technological benefits. As a trailblazer in quality living, its development path consistently follows a “science + art” approach, which has proven to be a long-term strategy in line with current market trends. In 2024, Markor was honored with the title of “Outstanding Home Furnishing Brand Enterprise of 2024.” Its sub-brand, Markor Furnishings, reached a new brand value of over 32.2 billion yuan, securing a spot in the “Top 100 New Quality Home Brands of 2024” and winning the “Home Service Excellence Award” for the 13th consecutive year.
Backed by its national-level Industrial Design Center, robust R&D systems, and global operational capabilities, Markor continues to invigorate the ecosystem through digitalization, intelligence, and supply chain integration. With AI Smart Home as the bridge, Markor is reigniting public interest and confidence in AI’s potential and advancing the commercialization of AI technologies like natural language processing. It is building a continually open-source platform for both DTC end-users and B2B interior designers.
In July 2024, Markor hosted the “Art + AI + Life” forum in Beijing and launched a national AI painting and design competition, further embedding AI practices in the industry. In September, it signed a strategic partnership with the AI technology leader Shengshu Technology to break new ground in product design, manufacturing, marketing content innovation, and service experience. This collaboration will fuel the company’s efforts toward smart, personalized home furnishing upgrades, setting new benchmarks in the industry. These initiatives underscore Markor’s determination to use AI to enhance its future competitiveness.

Democratizing design empowers everyone to shape their dreams and take control of their future. Markor’s ongoing AI strategy not only provides opportunities for those pursuing a better life but also highlights new possibilities in the ever-evolving home living landscape.

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SOURCE Markor International Home Furnishings