What makes capybaras so irresistibly popular amongst Chinese youth? From their zen-like calm to their unbothered personalities, these gentle rodents have become internet sensations. Tune in as we dive into the capybara craze—their rising popularity in China, the carefree energy they represent, and how that resonates with today's youth. But are capybaras just a passing trend, or do they symbolise something deeper—like the dream of a carefree life in an increasingly competitive world? Join us as we unpack the cultural phenomenon, discuss how it reflects modern work-life stress, and reflect on 2024 while embracing "capybara energy" as we go into 2025. Chapters: 00:00:10: What is a Capybara? 00:01:45: Rising popularity of capybara in China 00:07:00: Why do people relate to capybaras? 00:11:00: The aftereffects of involution 00:18:15 Our wishes for everyone in 2025

Baidu backed Ji Yue Auto, an EV manufacturer, found itself in deep trouble after failing to pay its employees’ social security. One of Jiyue’s live stream hosts even broke down mid livestream,“I worked so hard, and now the company is gone?” But Jiyue isn’t the first (and certainly won’t be the last) EV manufacturer to face such challenges. In China’s hyper-competitive EV market, we’ve seen similar collapses, consolidations, and even brands turning to global markets to escape the intense domestic competition. Tune in as we discuss the fall of Jiyue Auto, why Baidu and Geely refused to invest more in this joint venture, and what’s next for the EV market in China. Chapters: 00:00:40: Who is Jiyue Auto? 00:05:00: Involution of EV in China 00:08:00: What exactly happened to Jiyue? 00:13:00: Livesellers breakdown mid stream 00:17:00: China’s automotive industry is too competitive - what’s next? Featured materials: Wechat article on car rankings in China: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kvKHcRlzQqhHh_vuAtQKXw A Chinese EV Manufacturers deep trouble, livestreamed, The Lowdown: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/a-chinese-ev-manufacturers-deep-trouble-livestreamed/ #JiYueAuto livestreamers in tears after company announces bankruptcy, Youtube shorts, Momentum Works: https://youtube.com/shorts/J8XxioeggDg #JiYueAuto livestreamer breaks down after hearing of company's bankruptcy, Youtube shorts, Momentum Works: https://youtube.com/shorts/3c6d3uqzhkA #JiYue owed advertising agent CNY37 million!, Youtube shorts, Momentum Works: https://youtube.com/shorts/F99iqXkRlmk

Originally dubbed Singles day by 4 university students, 11.11 has transformed into one of the world’s largest shopping festivals.

In 2009, Alibaba launched the first 11.11 shopping festival, generating RMB 50 million in GMV despite a website crash. Since then, it has grown massively, and today, 11.11 spans several weeks instead of just one day.

But has 11.11 lost its charm? Tune is as we explore why Chinese platforms stopped reporting GMV, how the festival’s expansion impacts consumer behavior, and whether the rise of frequent sales like 7.7 and 12.12 has led to “sale fatigue.”

Are shopping festivals still relevant, or have they lost their significance in today’s competitive ecommerce landscape?

P.S. Did you know Taylor Swift kicked off Alibaba’s 24-hour 11.11 shopping event in 2019?

Chapters:

00:00:15: The beginnings of 11.11

00:05:00: How Alibaba turned 11.11 into a shopping festival

00:09:00: Why companies stopped announcing GMV

00:12:00: Has 11.11 lost its meaning?

00:18:00: What does this mean for retailers?

Featured materials: Behind the Labubu craze: PopMart business explained | Impulso E103: https://youtu.be/PLIq2UkvgwA Commentary: What’s behind the rise of Chinese e-commerce platform Temu in the US?, CNA: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/china-e-commerce-shopping-app-temu-shein-tiktok-us-amazon-4245901 What 11.11 Singles’ Day sales no longer say about China’s economy, The Lowdown: https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/what-11-11-singles-day-sales-no-longer-say-about-chinas-economy/