Latest news with #Luo
Asia News Network
21 hours ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
In China, digital humans show future of livestreaming e-commerce
July 29, 2025 BEIJING – What happens when a livestreaming session is hosted by a digital human who can interact with viewers in real time? Last month, I watched a livestreaming show presided over by the virtual avatar of Luo Yonghao, founder of smartphone maker Smartisan Technology and a key online opinion leader on Chinese social media platforms. Throughout the live broadcast lasting over six hours, Luo's digital human along with a cohosting avatar garnered more than 13 million views, generating over 55 million yuan ($7.7 million) in gross merchandise value, or GMV. In key product categories such as consumer electronics and food, order volumes surpassed Luo's real-person livestream debut on the same platform earlier in May. What impressed me the most was that Luo's digital avatar and the supporting avatar interacted naturally, exhibiting detailed gestures — such as making eye contact and speaking in unison — that mirrored real human hosts, while engaging with viewers in real time. Powered by Chinese tech heavyweight Baidu Inc's Ernie foundation model, the livestreaming was the first to feature dual digital avatars as cohosts. Baidu described the new generation of AI digital human as super-intelligent AI agents that closely resemble real people, with coordinated expressions, speech, gestures and behavior. These digital humans are capable of thinking, making decisions and collaborating to complete specific tasks. AI-powered digital human hosts that bear a close resemblance to real humans in appearance as well as behavior are being increasingly utilized in livestreaming e-commerce to unveil a variety of products and bolster sales. I noticed that several brands preferred to use virtual anchors to attract digitally savvy and novelty-seeking young consumers, as they cost less than employing real human hosts and don't cause celebrity scandals that could potentially hurt brand image. A digital human of Liu Qiangdong, Chinese e-commerce giant JD's founder and chairman, appeared in the company's livestreaming rooms in last April to promote a variety of products, including meat, edible oil, eggs, milk, air conditioners and TV sets. The virtual anchor almost perfectly replicated Liu's expressions, body language, gestures, voice and accent, capturing even the subtlest movement of his fingers. Liu's avatar generated over 20 million views within the first hour and raked in 50 million yuan in sales throughout the entire real-time broadcast session. The size of China's virtual human market is forecast to reach 270 billion yuan by 2030, according to a report released by QbitAI, an industry services platform focusing on AI and other cutting-edge technologies. With continuous technological advancements in large language models and multimodal capabilities, the appearance, gestures and actions of digital humans will be more refined and closer to that of real humans, experts said. However, the virtual human industry is still in its infancy, and the major challenges lie in how to allow virtual anchors to better interact with users and understand their demands more precisely. The application of virtual hosts in livestreaming e-commerce will likely see speedy growth fueled by user demand, advances in AI technology and policy support, said Zhang Yi, CEO and chief analyst at consultancy iiMedia Research. Compared to humans, the biggest advantage of digital avatars is that they can significantly cut operating costs of livestreaming for merchants, and work 24 hours a day without coffee and restroom breaks, thus pushing up sales, Zhang said. Mo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy, said the use of AI-powered virtual hosts in e-commerce livestreaming sessions can bring a feeling of freshness to users, while brand owners can appeal to new consumers via this innovative method. Virtual livestreamers can play an important role in finishing tedious and repetitive tasks, improving the consumer shopping experience and boosting product sales, thus allowing human hosts to devote more time to creative work, Mo said. 'However, they will not totally replace real human hosts, as it is difficult for virtual anchors to fully establish real emotional connections with fans.'
CNA
5 days ago
- CNA
Syndicate member who stole half a million in jewellery from Windsor Park house gets jail
SINGAPORE: A member of a China syndicate who flew into Singapore solely to commit crime scaled a wall in an upmarket estate in the Upper Thomson area and made off with jewellery worth S$570,100. Luo Changchang, 44, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years' jail on Friday (Jul 25) for one count of housebreaking to commit theft at the Windsor Park property. His accomplice, 39-year-old Chinese national Long Zhihua, is at large, having absconded after being released on bail. His bailor and another man who helped him obtain bail have been charged. The court heard that Luo arrived in Singapore from Shenzhen, China, on Jun 21, 2024, with a ticket meant for him to return to China eight days later. He stayed in a hotel in Geylang Road with Long, who had arrived a few days earlier and paid for the room. The pair are from a criminal syndicate from Guangxi and came to Singapore to steal from homes, the court heard. At least five other Chinese nationals from the same syndicate had arrived in Singapore around June 2024 for similar offences. On Jun 21, 2024, Luo and Long went to the residential estate at Windsor Park Road to see which houses they could target. Seeing that there were no lights on at the victim's house, they scaled the wall and trespassed into the property at about 7.40pm. The pair looked through the drawers, placing jewellery in a plastic bag and damaging a door at the entrance. About half an hour later, they left the house by climbing back out, taking S$570,000 worth of jewellery with them. They remained in the estate searching for other houses to target and left only at about 9.45pm. The victim returned to her bedroom about two hours later and found that her jewellery, which she kept on a tray on top of a piano, was missing. She discovered more valuables missing and called the police. The police used closed-circuit television footage from houses in the estate to track down Luo and Long. They were arrested on Jun 26, 2024. The police recovered some jewellery from the pair's hotel room, but valuables worth S$390,200 remain missing. Luo did not provide the police with information on the jewellery that was unaccounted for. Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh sought five-and-a-half to six years' jail for Luo. He said only S$179,900 worth of property was recovered. Luo was also part of a criminal syndicate, an established aggravating factor. He also committed the offence under the cover of darkness. "There are no reported precedents of similar severity," said Mr Koh, saying recent housebreaking cases involve property of a substantially lower value. He cited the "closest case" of He Xiuwei, which involved about S$118,400 in stolen property. "We emphasise that the accused was part of a house-breaking syndicate and that the only reason he came to Singapore was to commit housebreaking and theft," said Mr Koh. "This is troubling. This court should take this opportunity to send a clear message that we will not tolerate such conduct here. Singapore is not a soft target for such activity."
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Classover Increases Solana (SOL) Holdings by 295%, Surpasses 50,000 SOL Tokens in Treasury Reserve
NEW YORK, NY / / July 9, 2025 / Classover Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:KIDZ)(NASDAQ:KIDZW) ("Classover" or the "Company"), a leading provider of live, interactive online learning, today announced a significant expansion of its Solana (SOL) treasury reserve. Since its last update on June 12, 2025, the Company has increased its total SOL holdings by approximately 295%, bringing its aggregate balance of tokens to 52,067 SOL acquired. Approximately 75% of the holdings have been staked with institutional-grade validators, a strategy intended to generate yield while contributing to the security and decentralization of the Solana blockchain. "This expansion reflects our strong conviction in the long-term potential of the Solana ecosystem," said Ms. Luo, CEO of Classover. "We are committed to building a substantial and strategically aligned digital asset treasury. Staking allows us to not only earn passive rewards but also to support the resilience of decentralized infrastructure. We intend to continue accumulating SOL as a core long-term holding to complement our broader technology and capital allocation strategy." Classover's acquisition of SOL reinforces its forward-looking approach to financial and operational innovation, aligning its treasury with emerging blockchain technologies that power next-generation digital ecosystems. About Classover Founded in 2020 and headquartered in New York, Classover has rapidly emerged as a leader in educational technology, specializing in live online courses for K-12 students worldwide. Offering a diverse curriculum tailored to different learning levels and interests, Classover empowers students through personalized instruction, innovative course design, and cutting-edge AI technology. From creativity-driven programs to competitive test preparation, Classover is dedicated to redefining education through accessible, high-quality learning experiences. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on Classover's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of Classover's business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Classover's control including, but not limited to: Classover's ability to execute its business model, including obtaining market acceptance of its products and services; Classover's financial and business performance, including financial projections and business metrics and any underlying assumptions thereunder; Classover's ability to maintain the listing of its securities on Nasdaq; changes in Classover's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenue and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; Classover's ability to attract and retain a large number of customers; Classover's future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; Classover's ability to attract and retain key personnel; Classover's expectations regarding its ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection and not infringe on the rights of others; changes in applicable laws or regulations; and the possibility that Classover may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. These risks and uncertainties also include those risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company's filings with the SEC. Classover's actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by Classover in this press release is based only on information currently available to Classover and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Classover undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Contacts:Classover Holdings SOURCE: Classover Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
Malaysia Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- Malaysia Sun
Update: China to launch exhibition for 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China will open a themed exhibition on July 7 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, the exhibition will feature 1,525 photographs and 3,237 artifacts, said Luo Cunkang, curator of the museum, at a State Council Information Office press conference Thursday. It will become part of the museum's permanent display. Divided into eight sections, the exhibition employs a range of modern display techniques to bring history to life, combining rare artifacts, archival documents, historical footage, artworks, and immersive recreations of key moments. The exhibition traces the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression from 1931 to 1945, highlighting how the Chinese people, under the Communist Party of China (CPC)-led national united front, fought for survival, national revival, and a broader struggle for human justice, Luo said. The display features newly found documents that reveal how the CPC was the first to initiate armed resistance against Japan and emerged as the vanguard of the nation's war effort. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties. In the main Eastern battlefield in the global fight against fascism, China's resistance effort was decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and world peace.
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Super Freak Boutique, run by co-founders of The Butter Factory, to close in end-July
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Super Freak Boutique co-owners Ritz Lim (left) and Bobby Luo at the store at Stamford Court on June 30. SINGAPORE – Super Freak Boutique at Stamford Court, which trades in wackadoo attire and accessories, is set to shutter on July 24. Opened in 2020 by Mr Bobby Luo and Mr Ritz Lim, co-founders of defunct nightclub The Butter Factory, the 187 sq ft space is known among adroit young dressers for its art markets' roster of edgy vendors. It also houses Mr Lim's hair salon. The venue has hosted local and regional designers, musicians, artists and even a poet – the sort of restless creatives who, like Mr Luo, do not restrain themselves to one medium. A DJ once started his set with a sewing machine, sampling the jerky rhythms of needle stitching cloth into a thumping beat. An arty designer turned archival local streetwear into quixotic items such as a tube top conjoined with a puffy bib and hood, and a jacket sewn into jeans. Super Freak Boutique held its final market in May. For now, it will stay online and Mr Lim is eyeing freelance hairdressing. Mr Luo, 54, speaking to The Straits Times without his media-shy 63-year-old partner, says: 'I guess I'm burnt out.' The nightlife impresario, who in the 1990s designed sets at Zouk, still co-runs a stable of events, like queer hip-hop romp Baby Boy and baile funk bash Cvntessa. He says the boutique is 'not something that can be done on the side'. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Man to be charged after he allegedly damaged PAP campaign materials on GE2025 Polling Day Singapore PAP questions Pritam's interview with Malaysian podcast, says politics should stop at water's edge Singapore Scoot launches flights to Da Nang, Kota Bharu and Nha Trang; boosts frequency to other destinations Singapore Electrician who bit off part of coworker's ear during fight gets 6 months' jail Asia 4 dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Singapore $1.46b nickel-trading scam: Ng Yu Zhi's bid for bail midway through trial denied by High Court Business Singapore six-month T-bill cut-off yield tumbles from 2% to 1.85% It is not for lack of trying. Super Freak Boutique is his third and most conservative go at retail since 2008. He started online store Nightvision that year, then pivoted to multi-label boutique Super Space at Orchard Gateway in 2014. Both specialised in unorthodox labels not stocked anywhere else in Singapore, like brash Los Angeles streetwear brand Joyrich and the riotous tailoring of Britain's Agi & Sam. When Super Space closed, after Mr Luo's then business partners bowed out in 2019 and their lease expired a year later, some leftover inventory went into Super Freak Boutique. But with floor space reduced to a modest corner, stock was whittled to smaller wares – kitschy shoes, fans and gifts, like the technicolour socks with winking queer slogans that are the shop's bestsellers. Though the attenuated business model meant he almost broke even at Super Freak Boutique, Mr Luo's near-two-decade retail effort has cost him over $150,000 in losses. Yet, he had never entertained an exit till now. Such is the 'DIY sensibility' of the club scene, he says. 'We try everything once and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. You try till the end.' With Mr Luo, all roads lead back to the dance floor, to the loud crush and chaos of the local 1990s counterculture from which he was born, he says. From the jump, he intended for Nightvision to kit out partygoers on nights out. Mr Luo himself has made an art out of dressing for the club, preferring the high visibility of face-engulfing masks – like a disco ball with two slits for eyes – overstimulating colours, outre jackets, shrieking prints, absurdist costumes and sequinned shoulder pads. At his most minimalist, he once appeared in nothing but a pair of blue Speedos, a chain necklace and a towering balloon silver star for a headpiece. 'I was decorating Zouk, so I started decorating myself,' says Mr Luo. His legacy in Singapore's underground was cemented with the opening of The Butter Factory in 2006. The cartoonishly furnished space had presaged the current character toy boom. Its one-for-you, one-for-me set-up, with a big room for mainstream hip hop and a smaller den for the screwy sounds of electroclash, squared the circle of keeping the cult commercial. By the time it closed in 2015, it had expanded to twice its original size. Retail was not a detour from, but an extension of, the party, he says. 'Clubs are where culture gets tested. That's music, fashion, art. They're all intertwined. And it's a community where people can express themselves freely. At Super Freak, we were trying to capture that.' Super Freak Boutique at Stamford Court, which trades in wackadoo attire and accessories, is set to shutter on July 24. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG The ad hoc art markets come to mind. Mr Luo and Mr Lim never made anything from them and sometimes absorbed the cost of utilities for night-time events. 'I just loved seeing all the creativity of the young people,' Mr Luo says. The challenge for the boutique was keeping the books out of the red. He sees easy parallels between the retail, nightlife and food and beverage industries. Woes like rental, manpower costs and keeping customers loyal are common across these sectors. Across industries, businesses are also moving towards a pop-up model, ditching a permanent base for roving set-ups, he says. But Mr Luo, who with his Butter Factory co-founders had built a hideout that straddled the mainstream and fringe, still hankers for the magic of a physical space. Creating, recognising and craving such a place is 'in his blood', he adds. 'It's important to have a base to build community and see people expressing themselves.'
