Very Strange Things Are Happening with Sina Weibo’s “Real-Name” Registration

We’ve been talking about real-name registration for microblogs in China for some time now, and today that day might finally be here. But has the real name regulation actually stopped anyone from posting? It doesn’t look like it.

This morning, I noticed my own Sina Weibo account had this message from Sina:

Hello, because you’re a user who filled out your identification information, we’ve already implemented real-name registration, and you can continue to use your microblog as usual. Thank you for supporting Sina.

This was quite a surprise to me, since I never filled out any identification information whatsoever. I’ve been very careful about not giving Sina anything, not even a phone number, because I don’t trust them and because I’ve wanted to test how this real name system would work. If Sina knows who I am, it’s not because of any information I gave them. And yet, here I am, registered. Bizarre.

I hopped on Twitter and Weibo to see what other people were reporting and found a number of other users reporting the same thing. Here are some posts from Weibo users about it:

榛子壳Renky:

I’m not a verified user, but I got [a message] saying real-name identity confirmed. It also told me to keep using weibo…the world is really crazy.

当锄和遇上当午:

[...] I don’t think I ever submitted any information [to Sina], but I’ve been registered. Depressing.

沐沐Maggie:

Hah, I just realized I’ve already been real-name registered [by Sina]

馮聖senck:

My weibo has been real-name registered! Wha!? It’s like being imprisoned.

On Twitter, weibo users are reporting all kinds of things. Some had the same experience as me, others have had gotten different messages or no messages at all, but the net result is that no one is complaining their weibo has been totally unable to post. There are some references to this on weibo itself, but it’s not really clear how many, if any, users have actually been restricted from posting.

It’s possible that some of the weibo users saying they’ve “been registered [by someone else]” have simply forgotten that they’ve connected a cell phone number to their account. But I am completely positive I never bound a cell phone to my account or submitted ID information to Sina, and double-checking my account settings confirms that Sina doesn’t have this information. So what they heck is going on? I’m not at all sure.

As an interesting side note, I also noticed many weibo users are complaining about increased spam since the real-name rule went into effect — or seems to have gone into effect — last night. That’s the exact opposite of the effect the real-name regulation was supposed to have, but it could just be a temporary bug.

In fact, this whole thing could just be a temporary bug. It’s still not clear at all what exactly is going on here; needless to say, it’s something we’ll be following closely.

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3 yo Girl’s Hatsune Miku Performance

"PoPiPo" sung and danced by Chibi(=mini) Miku.

The original song on Nico Nico Douga,

CG (MMD) version,

via Insidears [J]

3 yo Girl’s Hatsune Miku Performance

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Singapore’s Highest Accolade For Infocomm Innovation is Now Open for Nominations

The National Infocomm Awards (NIA) 2012, co-organised by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), is now open for nominations. All organisations and companies in Singapore are invited to submit their entries at the NIA website www.nia.sg starting today till 30 June 2012.

“In today’s digital landscape where technology and trends move rapidly, innovation is a key enabler and strong competitive advantage for both public and private organisations. The National Infocomm Awards aims to recognise the spirit of innovation through the development or adoption of infocomm products, services or solutions in Singapore. Through the inspiring success stories of the winners, we hope that more organisations will continue to pursue innovative ideas in infocomm,” said Mr Ronnie Tay, CEO, IDA and co-chairman of NIA 2012 Steering Committee.

Now into its sixth year, this biennial series of national-level awards is launched once again in search of the next set of infocomm champions. The Most Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology award category recognises the innovative use of technology among public and private organisations, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Nominees will be evaluated based on their effective use of technology to enhance productivity or competitiveness.

The Most Innovative Infocomm Product/Service award category rewards companies in Singapore which have pushed the boundaries of technology to develop innovative infocomm products and services that benefit their customers. Entries are judged based on the product’s innovativeness and use of emerging or advanced technology. Winners of NIA 2012 will be honoured at a gala dinner to be held in October 2012.

“The NIA is a well-received award in the industry that helps to create awareness on the importance of infocomm innovation in business growth and success. SiTF is fully supportive of this prestigious award as it celebrates the best in infocomm,” said Mr Eddie Chau, Chairman, SiTF and co-chairman of the NIA 2012 Steering Committee.

Since 2002, the NIA recognition has helped organisations and companies establish a brand name for themselves and make successful forays into the overseas markets. Please refer to Annex A for the quotes from NIA 2010 winners.

ISSUED BY CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

Related Resources:

Annex A: Quotes from winners of NIA 2010
Annex B: Former winners of NIA

About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.

About Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF)

Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) is Singapore infocomm industry association, which brings corporate members ranging from local startups to establish MNCs. SiTF works with various stakeholders in the ICT industry to address ICT-related issues and to promote emerging technologies in areas such as Digital Media, Cloud Computing, Green IT, Wireless, Security and Governance.

SiTF’s charter is to serve as the voice of the Singapore infocomm industry and to provide members with opportunities to increase their market presence and business reach. Among the key events initiated by SiTF are the SiTF Golf Classic, SiTF Awards, SITEX and Asia Pacific ICT Summit (APICTS). The key initiatives by SiTF include MatchiT, 123JumpStart, SiTF Academy and administering the ‘Infocomm Singapore’ brand.

For more information on SiTF, please visit www.sitf.org.sg.

For media clarifications, please contact:

IDA Singapore
Teresa Tan (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 1745
E-mail: teresa_tan@ida.gov.sg

SiTF
Cheam Gim Chng (Ms)
Manager, Marketing & Sponsorship
Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF)
Tel: +65 6325 9812
Email: gim@sitf.org.sg

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Cloud Computing Expected to Create 12,000 New Jobs in Singapore

Countering conventional wisdom, new commissioned research from IDC predicts the cloud will generate nearly 14 million new jobs worldwide by 2015.

Singapore — March 15, 2012 — Microsoft Singapore today shared insights from a commissioned research from analyst firm IDC indicating that cloud computing is expected to create over 12,000 new cloud-related jobs in Singapore by 2015. While IT spending is expected to grow by just 16% over the next four years, Singapore is expected to show a 30.6% growth in cloud-generated jobs. This compares to growth of the total Singapore workforce of 12%1 during the same four-year period.

Cloud computing is currently a key focus for Singaporean businesses looking to increasing IT’s agility to support business growth and lower capital costs. The research points to Singapore enterprises of all types and sizes accelerating the adoption of cloud infrastructure and services in the next few years.

“As a global business hub, Singapore is a strategic market for cloud adoption. Microsoft helps many multinational companies based in Singapore, that increasing look to the cloud solutions to grow and optimize their operations,” said John Fernandes, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Singapore. “This increase in cloud usage In turn, this creates technology new job opportunities within the country.”
The IDC research also shows that cloud computing will create nearly 14 million new jobs globally by 2015. IDC’s research predicts revenues from cloud innovation could reach $1.1 trillion per year by 2015, which, combined with cloud efficiencies, will drive significant organizational reinvestment and job growth.

“For most organizations, cloud computing should be a no-brainer, given its ability to increase IT innovation and flexibility, lower capital costs, and help generate revenues that are multiples of spending,” said John F. Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president at IDC. “A common misperception is cloud computing is a job eliminator, but in truth it will be a job creator — a major one. And job growth will occur across continents and throughout organizations of all sizes because emerging markets, small cities and small businesses have the same access to cloud benefits as large enterprises or developed nations.”

The report also indicates specific industries will generate job growth at different rates, and that public cloud investments will drive faster job growth than private cloud investments. The report also notes governments can influence the number of jobs created by cloud computing within individual countries. More information, including the full report, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2012/mar12/03-05CloudComputingJobs.mspx.

Microsoft is delivering a set of solutions to drive the cloud’s growing future. The company offers full public and private cloud solutions for consumers and organizations of all sizes. These enable customers to reap the benefits of cloud computing — from connecting and sharing for consumers, to lowering costs and realizing new technical or strategic opportunities for organizations. More information on Microsoft cloud solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud/default.aspx?fbid=92ndoVValL4.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Press Contacts:

Microsoft Singapore
Lavinia Rajaram-Bautista
a-lavira@microsoft.com
Mobile: +65-84280079

IN.FOM for Microsoft Singapore
Wong Voal Voal
voal@infom.asia
Mobile: +65-97990551

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Rumor: Dangdang to Launch Proprietary Apparel?

Dangdang, the leading Chinese online bookstore turned general etailer is said to launch its proprietary apparel brand in next month, according to Mahui, General Manger of Beijing-based underclothes manufacturer TopNew Group.

Ma said that Dangdang has contracted with the company to design and produce Dangdang-branded clothes, like Dangdang Kids for children.

Li Guoqing, co-founder and CEO of Dangdang once revealed that Dangdang-branded clothes will take the same approach that Uni Qlo and Gap took to provide customers with basic style garments and the price tag would be a bit higher in comparison to VANCL.

Besides apparel, Dangdang is also considering launching its own proprietary home textile and household supplies. Dangdang has already been competition with Amazon China, 360buy.com, Suning.com and Shanda on different fronts, the move will add VANCL as the latest addition to its competitor list.

According to Dangdang’s latest financial results, the company incurred a loss of more than RMB 129 million in the fourth quarter of last year and a loss of more than RMB 200 million in the H2 of last year due to investments on logistics service, mobile shopping and e-book business.

 

Related posts:

1. Energetic Entrepreneurs in China, Ed Tsai from DCM VC
2. NetEase Shutting down Online Luxury Service
3. Winter Sets in? Shanda Pinju to Close Down

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Micromax gets a new brand identity, aims to bring ‘Punch’.

In my earlier article, I covered the rise and fall of Micromax and one of the core idea I was trying to drive was lack of company’s focus on building quality products, especially in the smartphone segment.

Today, Micromax has unveiled its new logo, the logo with a punch which probably speaks of (needed) aggression in the company.

“Today, as we expand, this new brand logo gives us the opportunity to present a single, powerful and unified face to our customers around the world. At Micromax, we value customer feedback and hence, we are glad to unveil this new logo which has been created by the fresh and young minds. It was tough to choose one amongst 2500 entries but we all decided that the Punch logo is a true reflection of the Micromax brand which is young, innovative, dynamic, bold, extrovert and fun”, said Pratik Seal, Head- Marketing, Micromax.

The punch logo has been developed through an extensive crowd sourcing exercise undertaken by Micromax, in association with Talent house India, inviting participants to submit their version of the logo and the logo will be revealed at the Micromax Asia Cup 2012, during the India vs. Pakistan match on Sunday, March 18, 2012.

We certainly hope that the punch shows up in the product quality as well, which so far has been absent from the company’s portfolio.

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Chinese Lingerie Etailer Raising US$ Tens of Millions in Series C

Chinese online lingerie brand La Miu is raising US$ tens of millions in Series C round of financing, according to Hao Jianyao, co-founder and VP of the company.

Founded in 2008, the female-centric site which started as a lingerie etailer now expanded to other territories including female apparel, accessories and so on. According to its website, the Beijing-based company has attracted many former execs from companies like Victorias’ Secret, Coach, Amazon and so on. It has raised more than 45 million in the previous rounds of financing.

 

La Miu Funding History

Angel Round: Hiroshi Mikitani, founder of Rakuten, early 2008

Series A: US$ 5 million, Rakuten, Daiwa Securities Group Inc., July, 2009

Series B: US$ 40 million, DCM etc, May, 2011

 

La Miu also operated three brick and mortar stores, two of which located in Beijing while the other one is in Qingdao city of China eastern Shandong province.

Related posts:

1. Tencent Restructures Ecommerce Business
2. O2O New Comer Qianpin.com Raised Over $15M
3. Qihoo 360 Unveils B2C Sites Aggregator to Expand Revenue Sources

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[Photo] How To Land A Job At Rakuten

Gayle L McDowell's book "The Google Resume: How to Prepare for a Career and Land a Job at Apple, Microsoft, Google, or any Top Tech Company" is translated to Japanese and sold in Japan this month.

The cover image of the Japanese version book posted by a blogger Yumaendo got a huge buzz on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.

Probably for Japanese market, the title of the book is changed to "How to take a job at Google, Apple and Microsoft", and the extra cover at bottom says "... and I teach you how to take a job at Rakuten" with Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani's photo.

Yumaendo wrote that how his photo were copied into other social media without his credit. The popular one on Twitter has "The least wanted extra cover is buzzing on the net" comment.

Generally, Japanese books have a color cover sheet in slick paper. Whilst the book is newly published and/or being promoted, they also have a shorty extra-cover with catches, recommendations by authorities, how many copies sold, etc. In store, shop clerks will offer to set another paper cover for people who want to hide what they are reading on train commuting.

Amazon.com

See Also:

Google Image Search with this photo

[Photo] How To Land A Job At Rakuten

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