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She is a leader in Asia’s ride-sharing economy, has taken on Uber, and now Jean Liu will represent Asian tech in Brazil

Didi Chuxing President Jean Liu

Jean Liu, the President of Didi Chuxing (formerly Didi Kuaidi) has been nominated to participate in one of the most iconic occasions in the global sporting world, the 2016 Olympic Torch Relay.

Liu was elected as an official Torchbearer through a popularity vote organised by Coca-Cola.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, which I see as an encouragement for both DiDi and myself,” said Liu in an official statement.

“We strongly believe that technology will make the world a better place; but only with great perseverance, resilience and courage, exactly what the Olympic spirit calls for.”

Also Read: Uber deals blow to Didi’s global alliance, extends Alipay partnership worldwide

Described as ‘a face of the young and modern China’, Liu has become a titan in the Asian tech scene as the visible figure in Didi Chuxing’s battle with Uber for the China ride-sharing economy.

Liu first arrived at Didi Chuxing in 2014 after a stint as Managing Director Goldman Sachs for Asia. She was named one of China’s top businesswoman by Forbes that year and Fortune pinpointed her in its ‘China’s 25 Most Influential Business Women’ article in 2014.

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Peking University in Beijing and a Master’s Degree (also in Computer Science) from Harvard University.

The torch has already embarked on its long journey across Brazil as the relay was kicked off on May 3 in the capital city of Brasilia. The torch will arrive in Rio De Janeiro on August 4th to mark the start of the XXXI Olympiad.

In late June, Liu will participate with eight other Torchbearers, including other renowned Chinese figures like pianist Lang Lang and entertainer Jiang Yiyan, on the Iguaçu route. While Liu’ specific route was not announced, the Iguaçu route might be particularly interesting as it will showcase the stunning Iguazu Falls that border Brazil and Argentina.

Also Read: Didi Kuaidi closes in on raising US$1B at US$20B valuation

Didi Chuxing has become Uber’s top rival for the Chinese ride-sharing market and both companies have been involved in a recent fundraising arms race to facilitate the battle over China.

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Photo courtesy of ACN Newswire.

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