BingDian Hotels App Lets Users Check-In to Auctions, Loyalty Discounts

A new Chinese startup has launched that claims to help hotels sell more directly to consumers and thereby build up better customer loyalty than on conventional e-commerce platforms. Its BingDian Hotels app is now live on iOS, packed with an array of mid- to higher-range hotel chains who are active partners in the venture.

BingDian wants to help those hotels chains to offer discounts and benefits to loyal customers whilst still allowing them to book via the app – something generally not possible with major online booking sites such as Ctrip (NASDAQ:CTRP) or eLong (NYSE:GA) where people tend to pick accommodation at random depending on changing needs.

When travelers take up membership cards with a partner hotel, those too can be stored within the BingDian app, making them easier to access and make use of next time someone makes a new booking. Current partner chains include cheaper venues such as HanTing business motels right up to global brands such as Shangri-La, Sheraton, Hyatt, etc.

One final differentiator of the BingDian app is that it features auctions for rooms at certain times in a manner similar to the “name your own price” promos on the American travel booking site Priceline (NASDAQ:PCLN).

Talking to the Chinese TravelDaily site, BingDian’s CEO, Zhu Haoyi, says that it’s trying to bridge the needs of hotels and regular travelers at the same time as it’s doing things a little differently to other travel platforms in China. He added that the startup has access to angel investors and has so far taken in two rounds of seed funding – though the amounts and investors involved have not been revealed. An Android version of the app is in the works too.

Get the BingDian app for iPhone via its homepage.

[Source: TravelDaily China - article in Chinese]

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Japanese Government Reassures Free WiFi Providers Not Tap Users Messages

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications(MIC) on April 4 issued two administrative directions around the constitutionally guaranteed secrecy of communication (=Tsuushin no Himitsu, in Japanese) against Connect Free and NTT Broadband Platform.

Both companies tried to offer free WiFi services at shops last December but got in troubles by suspicious behaviors when users connect the free WiFi stations.

Direction for Connect Free [J] pointed that the service collected user client’s MAC address and some social media account IDs “without prior consent”. (Asiajin’s report)

The other one for NTT Broadband Platform [J] said that the company blocked access for specific websites from the free WiFi spots “without due reasons”. The document did not specify the service name but it is likely Seven Spot [J], free WiFi spots available on Seven Eleven, Ito Yokado, Seibu and Denny’s chain-stores, which was complained to block Amazon Japan and Rakuten websites at launch, probably because they are rival on shopping.

Japanese Government Reassures Free WiFi Providers Not Tap Users Messages

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VISA creates online and offline resources for SMBs

The few common problems that startups or Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) face includes lacking the private or public sector connections in new markets to facilitate entry. Other than that, access to best practices and experiences of other successful businesses who have opened operations abroad is also missing, and more often than not, startups and SMEs also do not have the luxury of time to develop the expertise in navigating unfamiliar international markets. Recognizing this, VISA has created two international business facilitation platforms,Visa MICE Connect and Visa Business Connect, specifically catered to the needs of SMBs in Asia looking to grow overseas.

Visa Business Connect – a gateway into China

Exclusively for Visa Business Card customers and promoted through Visa issuers, Visa Business Connect is a specialized event for SMBs who wish to understand the market dynamics in China,one of the world’s fastest growing economies. At a Visa Business Connect event, SMB would access exclusive events such as networking sessions with Chinese Government and industry leaders, first-hand insight into local businessoperations and legislation, and specialized business study tours to industrial sites and keybusiness centers.

Visa MICE Connect – a one-stop portal into industry events and trade exhibitions.

Visa MICE Connect is a free one-stop online portal, which provides information on major international industry conventions  and  trade  exhibitions, and features a dedicated  travel consultant service to help organizations easily get to events of their choice. A time saving resource, the portal includes a comprehensive directory of  over 150 international  trade shows and events from around the globe across a range of industries including computers and IT, beauty and cosmetics, fashion, travel and construction. SMB  interested in attending any of these events can make personalized travel arrangements, purchase event tickets, book local tours  and arrange factory visits via dedicated  travel consultants, Peregrine Travel.

Photo: Visa Mice Connect

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VISA creates online and offline resources for SMBs

The few common problems that startups or Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) face includes lacking the private or public sector connections in new markets to facilitate entry. Other than that, access to best practices and experiences of other successful businesses who have opened operations abroad is also missing, and more often than not, startups and SMEs also do not have the luxury of time to develop the expertise in navigating unfamiliar international markets. Recognizing this, VISA has created two international business facilitation platforms,Visa MICE Connect and Visa Business Connect, specifically catered to the needs of SMBs in Asia looking to grow overseas.

Visa Business Connect – a gateway into China

Exclusively for Visa Business Card customers and promoted through Visa issuers, Visa Business Connect is a specialized event for SMBs who wish to understand the market dynamics in China,one of the world’s fastest growing economies. At a Visa Business Connect event, SMB would access exclusive events such as networking sessions with Chinese Government and industry leaders, first-hand insight into local businessoperations and legislation, and specialized business study tours to industrial sites and keybusiness centers.

Visa MICE Connect – a one-stop portal into industry events and trade exhibitions.

Visa MICE Connect is a free one-stop online portal, which provides information on major international industry conventions  and  trade  exhibitions, and features a dedicated  travel consultant service to help organizations easily get to events of their choice. A time saving resource, the portal includes a comprehensive directory of  over 150 international  trade shows and events from around the globe across a range of industries including computers and IT, beauty and cosmetics, fashion, travel and construction. SMB  interested in attending any of these events can make personalized travel arrangements, purchase event tickets, book local tours  and arrange factory visits via dedicated  travel consultants, Peregrine Travel.

Photo: Visa Mice Connect

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Indonesia Satellite sees 16 pitches and StartupLokal turns 2

The Indonesia Satellite kicks off e27′s hunt for the best startups to join Echelon 2012, Asia’s longest running web tech conference, with 16 startup pitches and StartupLokal’s second anniversary celebration.

With just 2 days to the Indonesia Satellite, 16 companies have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of judges made out of representatives from Research in Motion (RIM), Mindtalk, e27, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Magnivate Group.

The Indonesia Satellite will take place on 7 April, Saturday, at Telkom Kebon Sirih Menara Multimedia. Expect a day packed with strong content as there will be keynote presentations and panel discussions together with the much awaited startup pitches. Some key sessions would be the AWS’ Bean Bag Sessions with Simone Brunozzi and keynote sessions by RIM’s keynote on “The BlackBerry Opportunity” by Sarim Aziz. Attendees will also get to hear from Vincent Lauria of Golden Gate Ventures and Brynerio of 4id as they present on key tech startup topics. Find out from our panel of experts on what it will take to make Indonesia the next IT hub. Check out the Echelon 2012 website for the full list of speakers and judges and the Indonesia Satellite agenda.

The stars of the show

So who are the 16 startups selected to pitch? A total of 13 Indonesian, 2 Malaysian and 1 Singaporean startup have chosen and were selected to pitch at the Indonesia Satellite by our panel of judges during the internal judging session. They are, in pitching order:

Bistip – a social marketplace

Gobann – a marketplace for microjobs

AppsChef - human resource management SAAS

KirimPaket – an online marketplace for shippers and transporters

Tandif – a moderation service for websites and apps

Tourexplora – a social web-based travel itinerary planning tool

Klik-Eat – an online food order and delivery service

Squiryl – a social platform for merchants to engage customers with loyalty programs

HelloGoodBuy – an e-commerce site that helps merchants manage order with just-in-time production strategy

Kark – an education platform that creates a stimulating play experience

Eductory – online media to help parents find the right education for their children

Fokado – an e-commerce site to help find unique gifts

Volpen – a collaborative fiction writing platform

cr.my [pronounced kree-mee] – a contest hosting platform for brands and online communities

TaxiMonger – a taxi booking and review application for mobile and web

Updaterus – a social media platform to help men appreciate women’s beauty and inspiration

StartupLokal celebrates 2nd anniversary with e27

Another key component at the Indonesia Satellite will be the celebration of StartupLokal’s second anniversary. StartupLokal has been a key partner of e27, which also saw them helping to organize the Indonesia Satellite last year, and the team at e27 are glad to once again hold the Satellite in Indonesia with them and also be there to celebrate a key event in the organization. With the continuous support from the local startup community, e27 looks grow the regional community with this event and future ones.

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Indonesia Satellite sees 16 pitches and StartupLokal turns 2

The Indonesia Satellite kicks off e27′s hunt for the best startups to join Echelon 2012, Asia’s longest running web tech conference, with 16 startup pitches and StartupLokal’s second anniversary celebration.

With just 2 days to the Indonesia Satellite, 16 companies have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of judges made out of representatives from Research in Motion (RIM), Mindtalk, e27, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Magnivate Group.

The Indonesia Satellite will take place on 7 April, Saturday, at Telkom Kebon Sirih Menara Multimedia. Expect a day packed with strong content as there will be keynote presentations and panel discussions together with the much awaited startup pitches. Some key sessions would be the AWS’ Bean Bag Sessions with Simone Brunozzi and keynote sessions by RIM’s keynote on “The BlackBerry Opportunity” by Sarim Aziz. Attendees will also get to hear from Vincent Lauria of Golden Gate Ventures and Brynerio of 4id as they present on key tech startup topics. Find out from our panel of experts on what it will take to make Indonesia the next IT hub. Check out the Echelon 2012 website for the full list of speakers and judges and the Indonesia Satellite agenda.

The stars of the show

So who are the 16 startups selected to pitch? A total of 13 Indonesian, 2 Malaysian and 1 Singaporean startup have chosen and were selected to pitch at the Indonesia Satellite by our panel of judges during the internal judging session. They are, in pitching order:

Bistip – a social marketplace

Gobann – a marketplace for microjobs

AppsChef - human resource management SAAS

KirimPaket – an online marketplace for shippers and transporters

Tandif – a moderation service for websites and apps

Tourexplora – a social web-based travel itinerary planning tool

Klik-Eat – an online food order and delivery service

Squiryl – a social platform for merchants to engage customers with loyalty programs

HelloGoodBuy – an e-commerce site that helps merchants manage order with just-in-time production strategy

Kark – an education platform that creates a stimulating play experience

Eductory – online media to help parents find the right education for their children

Fokado – an e-commerce site to help find unique gifts

Volpen – a collaborative fiction writing platform

cr.my [pronounced kree-mee] – a contest hosting platform for brands and online communities

TaxiMonger – a taxi booking and review application for mobile and web

Updaterus – a social media platform to help men appreciate women’s beauty and inspiration

StartupLokal celebrates 2nd anniversary with e27

Another key component at the Indonesia Satellite will be the celebration of StartupLokal’s second anniversary. StartupLokal has been a key partner of e27, which also saw them helping to organize the Indonesia Satellite last year, and the team at e27 are glad to once again hold the Satellite in Indonesia with them and also be there to celebrate a key event in the organization. With the continuous support from the local startup community, e27 looks grow the regional community with this event and future ones.

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The World’s Most Competitive Cities: Asian Hubs Strong, Yet Diverse [INFOGRAPHIC]

Back in February we looked at why Singapore is perhaps the best place in the world for entrepreneurs to do business. Today we have a new infographic (created for us by infographic.jp) that compares some of the world’s top cities in terms of competitiveness. It’s based on a report from The Economist and looks at a number of factors to determine its competitiveness index, such as the business and regulatory environment, and the quality of human capital.

While New York takes the top spot with an index of 71.4, Asia is well represented in the rankings with the afore-mentioned Singapore coming in third place at 70.0, making it the top Asian city on the list. It’s followed by Hong Kong in fourth at 69.3.

In the ‘economic strength’ category it was interesting to see that all by five of the top 20 cities are in Asia. Cost of living showed some interesting contrasts with Tokyo ranking as the second most expensive city (something I can vouch for first hand!), and Mumbai coming in as the third cheapest place to live [1].

For entrepreneurs and startups looking to do business in Asia, it’s goes to show that the economic diversity is perhaps just as wide-ranging as the cultural diversity in the region.

[View full size | Get embed code]

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1. Tokyo was just behind Luanda, Angola, which was most expensive, while Karachi, Pakistan was the cheapest.  ↩

2. Here’s the code, if you’d like to embed it on your own website:

   
    ↩

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[Video] Magical Dice Always Gives 6

Showed on Nico Nico Douga

via Internet Watch

[Video] Magical Dice Always Gives 6

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China’s MIIT To Release Privacy Protection Standards

A net user scanning his train ticket to reveal encoded personal information.

Protecting your personal information online is important. And a series of high-profile hacks late last year shed light on the fact that many companies are storing information for too long and doing too little to protect it. Recently, officials at China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealed that the Ministry has been collaborating with more than thirty other work units on a collection of guidelines that could become the national standards for online privacy protection.

Currently, the guidelines exist in a draft form that has passed the first level of approval and has been submitted to national authorities for critique. Ministry insiders say that what’s up for discussion at this point is mostly just the wording, and expect an official release soon.

The exact nature of the guidelines is not yet clear, nor is it clear how violators of the guidelines would be punished. But the draft reportedly mandates that any service dealing with personal information must establish a system for protecting that information. Moreover, all personal information must be immediately deleted as soon as the “purpose of use” for the information has been met. That means, for example, that e-commerce websites would need to delete a customer’s bank information as soon as they had received payment and completed a sale.

The guidelines sound like good news for net users nationwide, assuming they are approved and can be implemented effectively, and that violators can be held accountable and punished. It will certainly make me feel better about ordering things online if I can be sure vendors aren’t storing my information for long periods of time on unprotected servers for anyone to steal.

[Beijing News via Sina Tech]

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Affle Group partners with P&G, brings soccer mobile magazine to fans in Indonesia

Photo: Laga Bintang

Singapore based Affle Group, partners with FMCG giant, P&G to launch a soccer mobile magazine titled ‘LagaBintang’, with content coming from Indonesia’s largest publisher, Kompas.

We just learned that Affle group, a Singapore based company who is rapidly growing its reach into the region, just launched a mobile marketing campaign with Procter and Gamble (P&G), the global FMCG giant which has 24 brands under its belt. The mobile marketing campaign will manifest itself in the form of an Affle created and P&G branded soccer mobile magazine titled ‘Laga Bintang’. With content from Indonesia’s largest publisher Kompas, soccer fans are in for a treat of exciting content conveniently delivered on their mobiles.

The mobile site which is available to soccer fans on m.lagabintang.com as well as through content syndication deals with top portals and Affle’s successful products like SMS2.0 Live, Laga Bintang will provide a perfect platform to P&G to connect with young Indonesian men with its popular brands Gillette and Head & Shoulders at times when they would be consuming their favourite soccer content on Laga Bintang.

“We are confident that P&G will be able to reach the right target group as Laga Bintang comes at a time when the soccer world whirrs with excitement and transfer season looms over popular leagues. In addition to getting latest updates users will also stand to win P&G hampers every week and a bumper monthly prize by engaging with leader-boards styled contests powered by Affle’s unique mobile product and serving technologies.” said Anuj Kumar, CEO of Affle Group.

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Affle Group partners with P&G, brings soccer mobile magazine to fans in Indonesia

Photo: Laga Bintang

Singapore based Affle Group, partners with FMCG giant, P&G to launch a soccer mobile magazine titled ‘LagaBintang’, with content coming from Indonesia’s largest publisher, Kompas.

We just learned that Affle group, a Singapore based company who is rapidly growing its reach into the region, just launched a mobile marketing campaign with Procter and Gamble (P&G), the global FMCG giant which has 24 brands under its belt. The mobile marketing campaign will manifest itself in the form of an Affle created and P&G branded soccer mobile magazine titled ‘Laga Bintang’. With content from Indonesia’s largest publisher Kompas, soccer fans are in for a treat of exciting content conveniently delivered on their mobiles.

The mobile site which is available to soccer fans on m.lagabintang.com as well as through content syndication deals with top portals and Affle’s successful products like SMS2.0 Live, Laga Bintang will provide a perfect platform to P&G to connect with young Indonesian men with its popular brands Gillette and Head & Shoulders at times when they would be consuming their favourite soccer content on Laga Bintang.

“We are confident that P&G will be able to reach the right target group as Laga Bintang comes at a time when the soccer world whirrs with excitement and transfer season looms over popular leagues. In addition to getting latest updates users will also stand to win P&G hampers every week and a bumper monthly prize by engaging with leader-boards styled contests powered by Affle’s unique mobile product and serving technologies.” said Anuj Kumar, CEO of Affle Group.

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Kickstart: “Only” incubator in Philippines with “existing strong ties” to community

Startup incubator Kickstart has launched in the Philippines last month, part of a recent spate of new accelerators that have set up shop in the country. It is now calling for submissions for startups who want to receive an investment.

Christian Besler, the incubator’s vice-president and community engagement head, bills Kickstart as “the only Incubator in the Philippines with existing strong ties to the local grassroot community.”

Explaining this, he says that Kickstart was part of the team that organized last year’s StartupWeekend Manila, the first such event in the country.

They received feedback from the startup community that there was hardly any local support network and access to funding from Filipino entrepreneurs were limited.

“The outcome of the 2011 Startup Weekend event was pretty overwhelming and led to the decision to build an institution capable of funding and mentoring emerging startups and founders,” he says.

The situation is slowly changing. Another incubator, IdeaSpace, launched in the country at around the same time as Kickstart, and aims to “jumpstart the creation of a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem in the Philippines”.

Other accelerators that have started recently include Wireless Wings, Launchgarage, and the UP Enterprise Center for Technopreneurship.

For Kickstart, they are planning to invest about 10M Pesos (US$250K) per startup, with exceptions made if warranted. They are starting off with 100M Pesos (US$2.5M) in deployable funds.

Startups are encouraged but not required to stay on premises, but that would depend on its stage of development and specific needs. Kickstart will also not focus on a particular set of industries, but “ rather on innovative and maybe also disruptive mobile and web solutions.”

The incubator is open to citizens and non-citizens alike, although they must be based in the country.

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Social Music Service Beatrobo Raises $600,000 in Funding

Social music site Beatrobo has received funding from three companies: CyberAgent Ventures, KLab Ventures, and Movida Japan. The total investment sum is $600,000. The website (beatrobo.com) is in English and aimed at a global audience, and hopefully these funds can help in its expansion efforts.

Anyone can sign up to try out Beatrobo as long as you have a Facebook account. Once you’ve done that, you can add songs to your playlist, bringing in YouTube videos that can be played on the Beatrobo platform. You can comment on them, and if your friends are also on Beatrobo, you can share with them as well. The social aspect of the service is pretty interesting, using the cute robot avatars as vehicles for bringing songs to and from your friends. Here’s more on that from Beatrobo:

The robots in Beatrobo will act freely even when you don’t tell it to do anything, trying to find songs for you, visiting your friends rooms to get recommendation. This means your friend’s robots will also come to your room. Help them out by giving them songs so they can bring it back to their master.

Strangely, you can also add videos that are not songs to your playlist. For example, in addition to rockin’ tunes from Atmosphere and Neil Diamond, I could also bring up my colleague Charlie Custer’s recent Xiaomi M1 review (see screenshot on the right) [1]. This might make searching a little more difficult, depending on what you’re looking.

Beatrobo came online back in December of 2011, and was off to a pretty hot start if its Facebook page [2] is any indication (although that cooled down pretty quickly [3]). But it’s an interesting service, with an interesting twist on music discovery.

Give it a try and let us know what you think!

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1. Although if you look hard enough, you might find more gems on YouTube from Charlie.  ↩

2. Thanks to Asiajin for pointing this out.  ↩

3. Perhaps a Facebook ad campaign to create early buzz?  ↩

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