This Chinese billionaire felt lost in US without WeChat, mobile payments
Liu Chuanzhi, chairman of Lenovo parent Legend Holdings, said China has surpassed the US in terms of mobile internet technology, digital content and innovative business models.
A recent trip to the United States gave Liu Chuanzhi, the founder of personal computer maker Lenovo Group, a taste of how millions of Chinese travellers feel without the hi-tech comforts of home – WeChat and mobile payments.
The 73-year-old Chinese entrepreneur, who recently went for a check-up at a US hospital, attempted to set up a chat group on WeChat to connect his staff with his physicians. The suggestion drew a blank – no one seemed to understand him.
Liu’s staff in the US had Twitter on their devices, not WeChat. The do-everything messaging app from Tencent Holdings had 980 million monthly active users as of January, most of whom are in China.
Another annoying experience for Liu during his trip was carrying pocket change for small purchases. “That was very troublesome, too,” said Liu, who like many Chinese are used to the convenience of mobile payments.
Those experiences were shared by Liu in his speech about the country’s innovative spirit on Tuesday before the China Entrepreneurs Forum in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang. His comments were verified by Lenovo.