Exclusive Interview with DreamSmart CEO: AI, Globalization, and Leadership

DreamSmart Launches Meizu Note 16 Series AI Smartphone and Flyme AIOS 2

On May 13, 2025, DreamSmart held a major product launch event, introducing the new Meizu Note 16 AI smartphone series, Flyme AIOS 2 operating system, and the PΛNDΛER series of trendy tech accessories.

The Meizu Note 16 series boasts exceptional battery life, advanced antenna design, and top-tier durability, passing stringent tests for drop resistance, dust and water resistance, and long-term smooth usage. The flagship Meizu Note 16 Pro, powered by Qualcomm's third-generation Snapdragon 7s mobile platform, includes a 6200mAh battery and supports rapid 80W Super mCharge. Additionally, the Flyme AIOS 2 system introduces significant enhancements in system optimization, AI assistance through the upgraded Aicy assistant, and ecosystem integration with smart home appliances.

PΛNDΛER, DreamSmart's trendy tech accessory brand, simultaneously unveiled a series of gaming-oriented products, highlighting DreamSmart’s commitment to both technology and lifestyle integration.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping was spotted wearing a pair of DreamSmart smart glasses during his inspection of Shanghai. The smart glasses, equipped with advanced AI capabilities such as real-time translation and AR navigation, symbolized national recognition for China's burgeoning smart wearable industry and highlighted DreamSmart’s leadership role in technological innovation.

Recent Interview with Su Jing, CEO of DreamSmart

In a recent exclusive interview with Pandaily, Su Jing discussed her transformative journey from CFO to CEO, emphasizing DreamSmart’s strategic vision centered around "All-in-AI." She outlined how DreamSmart is leveraging its proprietary Flyme AIOS system to integrate smartphones, XR glasses, automotive systems, and robotics into a cohesive intelligent ecosystem. Su Jing highlighted the company’s global ambitions and detailed its localized strategy for entering international markets. She also shared insights about being a rare female leader in the tech industry, underscoring her management philosophy inspired by her admiration for Elon Musk, focused on innovative thinking, excellence, and inclusivity.

Pandaily: What has been your biggest takeaway from transitioning from CFO to CEO, and how has this shift impacted your professional and personal life?

Su Jing: To be honest, the transition has been challenging yet deeply rewarding. As CFO, my focus was largely on financial management and investment activities. Now, as CEO, my main priority has shifted to product refinement and strategic decision-making, as this is ultimately what our consumers value most. Leading a company that merges multiple sectors has required me to rapidly build expertise in technology and product development. Thankfully, my years of experience in finance have fostered a balanced decision-making style, combining rational analysis with intuitive insights. While I emphasize data-driven strategies to ensure steady progress, I equally value intuition and creativity, aiming to produce technologically innovative and aesthetically appealing products. This blend of logic and intuition essentially defines my management approach.

Pandaily: DreamSmart’s core products now encompass smartphones, smart glasses, automotive systems, and even robots. Could you elaborate on your product strategy and AI ecosystem plans?

Su Jing: DreamSmart was born as a tech company specializing in cross-sector integration, with our "All-in-AI" strategy guiding all product development. Early this year, we clearly articulated our "All-in-AI" approach, embedding artificial intelligence across our entire product line. Specifically, we have two major brands: "Meizu," continuing its focus on smartphones and other consumer electronics, and the new "Star" brand targeting advanced sectors like XR glasses and intelligent automotive systems. All these devices are integrated through our self-developed Flyme AIOS system. For instance, our Flyme Auto operating system is already integrated into vehicles from Lynk & Co and Polestar, enabling seamless connectivity between smartphones and automotive systems. Looking ahead, we aim to create an intelligent ecosystem connecting smartphones, smart glasses, cars, and robots. Robots represent a future-oriented segment of our product development, focusing heavily on their interactive capabilities and operating system integration. Essentially, our robotics strategy hinges on the Flyme AIOS system, ensuring seamless integration within our broader AI network. This strategy promises a consistently integrated smart experience, whether users pick up their smartphone, wear smart glasses, drive a car, or interact with a robot.

Pandaily: DreamSmart established its globalization strategy from its inception. Can you share some specifics on how you approach global expansion while managing local operations?

Su Jing: Indeed, globalization has been fundamental from day one. As an innovative tech enterprise, our goal is to provide a seamless and expansive intelligent mobility experience worldwide. This January, we entered the Southeast Asian market through a strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Juway Group, introducing our MYVU AR smart glasses across 11 countries including Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This is just the beginning—our plan includes bringing more products and services to global markets. Regarding implementation, we highly emphasize localization. For example, our smart glasses are tailored specifically for local markets, optimized for compatibility with regional apps and services, ensuring smooth usage experiences for our global customers. Additionally, we are actively building diverse international teams composed of top global talent to support local market operations. I strongly believe genuine integration and understanding of local user needs are critical for sustainable global market success, which is why localization is integral to our globalization strategy.

Pandaily: As one of the few female CEOs in the tech industry, can you share any unique insights or experiences?

Su Jing: Honestly, when I first entered the industry, the scarcity of women in executive roles was apparent. But I am encouraged to see gradual positive change. Personally, I don’t emphasize gender distinctions at work; my focus is purely on demonstrating capability and achieving results. Being recognized by Fortune China’s "Most Influential Women in Business 2023" list was incredibly motivating—not just as personal recognition, but also as validation of our team’s collective efforts. I believe women leaders excel in communication, meticulous attention to detail, and fostering inclusive corporate cultures. As a female CEO, I aim to bring diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive culture within the company. I often encourage young women on our teams to confidently assume significant roles because the tech industry benefits greatly from diverse voices. My approach is simply about pursuing what I love; gender should not define professional achievements. The key takeaway, regardless of gender, is focusing on delivering outstanding products and services—excellence transcends gender.

Pandaily: You have previously mentioned Elon Musk as an idol. Could you elaborate on what aspects of his leadership resonate with you, and describe your personal management philosophy?

Su Jing: Elon Musk truly inspires me. His relentless pursuit of excellence and disruptive innovation is remarkable. I share his passion for perfection and strive for our products to excel in both design aesthetics and innovative value. Musk’s ability to manage multiple ambitious enterprises simultaneously—from automotive to aerospace and artificial intelligence—reflects remarkable courage and vision, which I deeply admire. While our industries and developmental stages differ, his focus on first-principle thinking and long-term goals strongly aligns with my values. My personal management philosophy can be summarized as: “Choosing the right people for the right roles.” I firmly believe that finding exceptional talent aligned with our company’s values is crucial to success. Once you have an outstanding team, setting clear, ambitious goals and providing trust and resources to achieve them is key. My approach combines rational, analytical decision-making with encouraging creativity and imagination within the team. This perhaps encapsulates Musk’s influence on me: aim high, stay grounded, and use innovation to redefine the industry landscape. I hope DreamSmart’s team can embody this courage and unity to create truly extraordinary products

Meizu’s 20-Year Journey: From MP3 Pioneer to DreamSmart's Rebirth

Founded by Jack Wong in 2003 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, Meizu initially gained popularity for its high-quality MP3 players. Recognizing shifting market trends, Wong boldly shifted to smartphones in 2008, launching Meizu’s first smartphone, the M8, in 2009. Acclaimed as "China's pride," the M8 elevated Meizu into the top tier of China's smartphone brands, alongside Huawei and Xiaomi.

However, intense market competition around 2016 caused Meizu's decline. Despite strategic investments from Alibaba and expansion attempts like the Meilan sub-brand, Meizu couldn't regain momentum. By early 2022, financial struggles prompted consideration of a buyout.

In July 2022, automotive giant Geely’s subsidiary, Xingji Shidai, acquired a controlling stake in Meizu, marking a fresh start. This merger integrated Meizu’s engineering excellence with Xingji Shidai’s ambitions in the automotive sector. In March 2023, the newly formed DreamSmart Group officially launched in Wuhan, with Su Jing becoming its co-founder and CFO.

Today, DreamSmart Group, powered by Geely's automotive prowess, has unveiled the Meizu 20 smartphone series and the Flyme 10 OS, while also developing the Flyme Auto automotive OS. Through a strategic partnership with Geely’s Polestar, the company is driving innovation in intelligent automotive systems, becoming one of few firms simultaneously innovating in both consumer electronics and automotive technology.

Positioned as a holistic intelligent terminal platform, DreamSmart aims to seamlessly integrate smart cars, smartphones, XR glasses, and robotics, redefining smart mobility. As Su Jing envisions, smartphones will serve as sensory extensions for cars, and cars will become "smart terminals on wheels." With robust software and hardware integration capabilities, DreamSmart is poised to lead in this new era of cross-sector technological evolution.