Doing more with fewer people: How AI is changing Chinese companies
CNA looks at how artificial intelligence is changing businesses in China – from the rise of solo entrepreneurs and the networks forming around them to its impact on larger organisations.
In 2025, China hosts over 16 million one-person companies, or OPCs, according to recent reports by CNA. These small businesses are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to streamline operations and boost productivity. Zhang Pengtao, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, exemplifies this trend. With no prior coding experience, Zhang now runs ACE Studio, a video production and advertising business, entirely by himself, using AI tools such as OpenAI's Codex to manage projects and finances.
By employing AI, Zhang has been able to triple his productivity and double his client base, resulting in a 60-80% increase in annual income compared to his previous seven-person studio. Despite spending approximately $3,000 monthly on AI subscriptions, Zhang remains optimistic about AI's role in his business growth. He acknowledges, however, that AI alone cannot bring customers, and thus, local communities have emerged to provide support for OPCs.
The WaytoAGI Moshu OPC Community, a 3,000 square meter space in Beijing, offers workspaces, AI content studios, and business registration services to these small businesses. To date, 56 out of 600 applicants have been selected to participate in this initiative, with free office space for the first year and government-subsidized housing available for eligible talent.
While AI can optimize or partially replace tasks for OPCs, community leaders emphasize that additional manpower is still required for larger-scale growth and promotion.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
