Hisense chairman delivers keynote at CES Summit

LAS VEGAS, USA: On January 8, Zhou Houjian, Chairman of Hisense Group, delivered a keynote speech titled "From Made in China to Created in China - Technologies in Emerging Markets" at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

This is the first time a Chinese entrepreneur had been invited to deliver a keynote speech at CES since the show started 43 years ago. This prestigious invitation demonstrated that China's home appliance and consumer electronics enterprises, represented by Hisense, have become mainstream in the worldwide consumer electronics industry.

Zhou Houjian provided insight into the rapid development of the consumer electronics industry in emerging markets and its positive influence on economic growth by citing China as an example. He shared his experience of Hisense as a rising star in the global consumer electronics market and envisioned how multimedia technologies and green science in the Internet era would improve the quality of people's lives. His speech received an enthusiastic response from attendees.

With the emergence of the Chinese economy, Hisense has capitalized on important opportunities brought about by the growing popularity of flat-panel TVs, upgrading from ordinary LCD TVs to LED TVs and evolution of triple-play services. It has successfully expanded into the high-end segments by enhancing independent innovation and its R&D capabilities. In addition, it has improved its core competitiveness through upstream and downstream integration.

Authoritative third-party data shows that the Hisense brand has held the largest share in the Chinese flat-panel TV market for seven consecutive years and that Hisense has become one of the world's top five TV manufacturers, marking the first time that a Chinese company has won such an honor. And, as part of their continuing efforts, Hisense leads the way in the development of new, environmentally-friendly and energy-saving technologies.

Referring to the integration of Internet and multimedia technologies, Zhou Houjian noted that TVs are rapidly evolving from a traditional telecommunications medium for programs to an interactive terminal. To capitalize on this evolution, Hisense has developed an interface-friendly Internet TV.

At present, all of Hisense's TV products feature network interfaces and built-in HD playback. The Company is also developing a powerful built-in operating system, TV O/S, to enable a variety of new entertainment and value-added services directly on TVs, providing family users and end users with an entertainment and information content supply chain.

Zhou Houjian also noted his confidence in the future of the consumer electronics industry. He said that the Chinese government is aggressively advocating a strategy of invigorating China through science and education, leading Chinese enterprises to make bold innovations and promoting products from "Made in China" to "Created in China". There will be a number of leading enterprises in China moving toward becoming top global brands over the next 15 to 20 years. In addition, Chinese enterprises will develop as leaders across industries and sectors.

Commenting on the keynote speech, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), said: "As a leader in China, Hisense continues building on its leading position in the international markets. The addition of Mr. Zhou expands the CES keynote speaker lineup. CES, as the most ideal venue for product demonstrations and business discussions, has been recognized by all businesses. We are very grateful that multinational companies, such as Hisense, can join the CES keynote speaker team, and let the world see their global vision and innovative ideas."