Driving the future: How China is advancing AI through pioneers like Alibaba and iFlytek

I RECENTLY participated in the Global South Media Workshop that was held in the People’s Republic of China (Beijing and Xizang Autonomous region). The scale in which China has rolled AI is quite amazing.

- THEMBA THOBELA

In the age of global digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful catalyst reshaping industries, economies, and daily life. Around the world, nations are racing to develop AI capabilities that will define the next era of productivity and innovation.

At the forefront of this transformation stands China not only as one of the largest markets for AI adoption but also as a dynamic force propelling AI research and industrial application to new heights.

I had the opportunity to visit two leading companies: Alibaba Group and iFlytek the both demonstrate how China’s AI ecosystem is being driven forward through technological breakthroughs, innovative applications, and a commitment to human-centered progress.

Alibaba: AI as the Backbone of Digital Economy

Founded in 1999 as an e-commerce platform, Alibaba has evolved into a global technology powerhouse whose influence extends far beyond online shopping. Today, AI is intertwined into every facet of Alibaba’s business from logistics to cloud computing, from smart cities to consumer experiences.

One of the clearest examples of Ali-baba’s AI capabilities is City Brain, an intelligent urban management system that leverages big data, cloud computing, and AI algorithms to optimize city operations. Launched in Hangzhou in 2016, City Brain has since been deployed in dozens of cities across China and abroad. By analyzing massive streams of urban data in real-time such as traffic flow, emergency incidents, and infrastructure usage City Brain can reduce traffic congestion by automatically adjusting traffic lights, dispatching emergency services faster, and improving road safety.

The success story in Hangzhou is striking: reports show that City Brain helped cut traffic congestion by up to 15%, saving commuters time and improving air quality by reducing vehicle idling.