Steal the enemy's base at the start and build a technological empire.

Chapter 289 Star Language Internationalization Strategy

Everyone agreed with Lingyun's analysis, especially in social media apps, where brand and reputation determine a product's survival.

"The cost of catching up is very high," Goldman Sachs' Chen Wenhao interjected. "Every time someone copies another product, they have to redevelop, test, and launch it again, while innovators can calmly plan their product roadmap."

"Exactly," Ling Yun nodded. "Moreover, social products have network effects. Users' social relationships are deeply ingrained in Xingyu—friend lists, chat history, groups—making migration very costly. Even if ICQ offered the exact same functionality, users wouldn't have a strong motivation to switch unless it provided disruptive value."

Dr. Lyra put down her pen. "Does the data support this argument?"

Carly pulled up another report. "This is a user churn analysis for the past week. After the new feature went live, Star Language's daily active users increased by 23%, while ICQ's decreased by 4% during the same period. We detected a small number of users migrating from ICQ to Star Language, but almost no Star Language users migrated to ICQ."

"User interviews show," she added, "that the main reasons users migrated were 'all their friends are using Xingyu' and 'Xingyu's features are cooler.' As for Xingyu users who stayed, the number one reason was 'they're used to it,' and the second was 'the features are sufficient, there's no reason to switch.'"

The meeting room fell silent for a few seconds as shareholder representatives lowered their heads to take notes or whispered among themselves.

Durand's voice rang out again: "So, what about the international market? Star Language's current users are mainly in the United States. What are the plans for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia?"

Ling Yun looked at Dr. Lyra, then turned to Durand on the screen.

"That's exactly what we're going to discuss next," he said. "Carly."

Carly switched to a new presentation file. The title was: Star Language Globalization Strategy.

"Based on our current growth momentum and cash reserves, we plan to launch our international expansion in the second quarter of 1998," Carly said. "Phase one: simultaneous entry into the Middle East and European markets."

A map appeared on the screen, marked with time points and key tasks.

"The Middle East market," Carly said, looking at Dr. Leila, "we plan to partner with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to establish a regional data center in Dubai. All data from Middle Eastern users will be stored locally, fully complying with local laws. Simultaneously, we will assemble an Arabic localization team, not just for translating the interface, but also for content moderation mechanisms tailored to local culture, holiday-themed events, and localized payment channels."

Dr. Lyra nodded slightly. "Is there a schedule?"

"We started building the team in April, completed the first batch of localized versions in May, and launched testing in June," Kali said. "We hope that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority can provide support in areas such as recommending local partners, coordinating government relations, and integrating payment channels."

"Sure," Dr. Leila said. "I will provide a detailed list of resources within two weeks. Also, regarding the data center, Abu Dhabi can provide land and infrastructure support, but you will be responsible for equipment procurement and maintenance."

"This is exactly what we wanted," Ling Yun said. "We will establish a joint venture to operate a local company, with Abu Dhabi holding 30% of the shares and Xingchen Technology holding 70%, responsible for technology and operations."

"The equity stake is negotiable," Dr. Leila said, "but I agree in principle."

"The European market," Carly turned her attention to the video feed. "We plan to partner with the French National Investment Bank to enter Europe, starting in France. We will also establish a local data center and comply with the upcoming EU data protection directive. Furthermore, we will support multiple languages—French, German, Spanish, and Italian will be launched initially."

Durand's voice came through: "The EU has very strict regulations on data privacy, and you need to prepare for compliance in advance."

"We have hired a law firm in Brussels to begin studying the draft EU Data Protection Directive," Carly said. "At the same time, we are willing to publicly commit that European users' data will not leave the EU, and all data processing will be subject to audits by EU-approved third parties."

"This commitment needs to be written into legal documents," Durand said.

"Yes," Ling Yun said. "We plan to establish an independent legal entity in Europe, and all operations will be conducted within the framework of local laws."

“Then,” Durand said, “the French National Investment Bank can help coordinate communication with EU regulators, recommend local partners, and provide initial marketing funding—provided that Star Technology’s European subsidiaries grant the French investors certain board seats and strategic decision-making participation rights.”

"We can discuss it," Ling Yun said, "but technology development and product decisions must be centrally controlled by headquarters to ensure a consistent global experience."

"This request is reasonable, and we can accept it."

The meeting moved into the detailed discussion phase. Topics included data center location in the Middle East, the legal framework in Europe, the size of the localization team, and the allocation of the marketing budget—each topic involved specific figures and dates.

Ling Yun listened most of the time, occasionally interjecting to confirm key points. He noticed the shareholders' changing emotions: from initial skepticism and caution, to seriousness after seeing the data, and then to engagement when discussing globalization strategies.

The data dispelled doubts, and the blueprint sparked imagination.

At noon, the discussion came to an end. The administrative staff brought lunch—a light meal box containing salad, sandwiches, and fruit.

"Take a one-hour break," Ling Yun announced. "We'll resume at 1 p.m. to discuss specific financial forecasts and resource allocation."

People got up and left the meeting room in twos and threes. Some went to the balcony for some fresh air, some went to the lounge for coffee, and some stayed in their seats to continue reviewing the materials.

Lingyun and Carly remained in the conference room.

"How is it?" Carly asked in a low voice.

"It went more smoothly than expected." Ling Yun opened the lunchbox but didn't touch the food. "Laila and Durand both saw the scalability of virtual consumption models—since young people are willing to spend money on digital identities, this demand should transcend cultures."

"But they also raised practical issues," Carly said. "Cultural censorship in the Middle East, privacy regulations in Europe, and differences in payment practices around the world."

"The practical problems can be solved," Ling Yun said. "The key is to be on the right track."