TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Xiaomi Indonesian Country Manager Steven Shi claims that the brand he oversees is just second to Samsung as the most popular smartphone brand in Indonesia.

“We are positive that we can replace Samsung [as the most popular smartphone brand],” said Shi in a press conference at Atico restaurant in South Jakarta yesterday.

According to market research firm Canalys research, Xiaomi has showcased 1,455 percent sales growth during this year’s first quarterly sales.

Shi further said that Xiaomi will continue to consider the Indonesian market as the company’s top priority which has been part of its; “Xiaomi’s global expansion big plan.”

Just earlier this week, Xiaomi held an initial public offering to continue developing its business in Indonesia by allocating 30 percent of its shares from its IPO for the brand’s global expansion.

“Indonesia is one of [our] largest market,” said Steven Shi.

He further explained that 30 percent of the Xiaomi IPO earnings will be allocated for product development and another 30 percent for developing the internet of things ecosystem, meanwhile 10 percent of it is set for general costs.

AMRI MAHBUB