OPPO unveils APAC hub centre in KL, invests US$7bn in R&D

OPPO has launched its APAC Hub Centre in Kuala Lumpur and plans to invest over US$7 billion in R&D initiatives over the next three years. This comes as it continues to focus on developing cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI, AR and big data while also building core technologies for underlying hardware and software to explore the infinite possibilities in the era of intelligent connectivity.

OPPO will grant more flexibility to the operation of the APAC Hub Centre, constantly strengthening its operating capabilities backed by a series of supporting initiatives such as local recruitment, key channel building, operator customer services, product customisation, co-branding and co-marketing.

Jimmy Yi, president of OPPO Asia Pacific, said it aspires to be more than the leader in market share, but also the all-round leading brand in the APAC markets. He added that through the establishment of the hub, it is set to connect all markets and develop strategies more localised for the region. It will also connect with its partners to uncover more opportunities and create more value.

"We are already evolving beyond a smartphone company and targeting the next business expansion in the IoT space for personal and home application scenarios, digital content creation and offering mobile internet services for more diversified users," Yi said.

The smartphone company also announced 15 new carriers within the APAC market, including StarHub, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, Singtel, and Celcom, that have come on board for OPPO's 5G Landing Project. The project is an initiative to drive collaboration with global operator partners and promote the implementation of 5G products and services, empower new use cases for consumers and connect new industries. According to OPPO, APAC has been a strategic foothold for its global expansion for the last decade.

Quoting market research firm GfK, the APAC region accounted for 50% of global smartphone sales in 2019 and will continue to maintain growth momentum due to favorable demographics. Additionally, the growth rate of the technology consumer goods market in emerging APAC will lead the world in 2020, reaching 5%. Following the mantra of "Think Globally, Act Locally", OPPO is committed to orchestrating the company's resources to power the development of local markets and working to engineer its strategic transformation for global business in order to evolve into a R&D-centric technology company. A+M has reached out to OPPO for additional information.

VP and president of global sales, Alen Wu, said OPPO has been more than just a smartphone maker. According to him, smartphones have been a tool for OPPO to deliver a diverse portfolio of technological services.

"OPPO will continue to improve its capabilities in hardware, software and services, as well as expanding its presence in the IoT field. Looking into the future, we will work with our customer and partners globally to open up more opportunities," Wu added.