A symposium convened in Shanghai invited industry leaders to explore how scientific innovation and a supportive ecosystem can jointly empower the rise of China's homegrown brands.

Attendees agreed that sustainable brand growth hinges on strong research and development capabilities, alongside an environment in which credible communication and legal safeguards allow quality and integrity to stand out.

"The foundation of a truly competitive brand is undeniable product strength, built on scientific rigor," said Yuan Minjia, chief research and development officer of Shanghai-based cosmetics company Jinjia Group.

He outlined the group's sustained investment in R&D, including the establishment of a comprehensive innovation center and partnerships with top academic institutions such as Fudan University.

Scientific excellence alone, however, is insufficient, said Yan Zheng, an expert from the National Institute of Metrology and a former executive from e-commerce company Meione. He stressed the importance of protecting brand development by countering misinformation and malicious attacks that can undermine public trust.

Yan noted that the media has a critical role to play in bridging the gap between complex laboratory science and public understanding. This requires close collaboration to accurately communicate a brand's value and debunk myths, he said.

In the face of rumors, he added, media organizations should rely on authoritative institutions and wait for verified clarification before drawing conclusions, helping to foster fact-based narratives.

The symposium concluded that transforming today's emerging brands into tomorrow's global players requires a harmonious convergence of internal scientific strength and external support from regulators, media, and academia.