GOAP: What was your inspiration for founding the Mobinode tech blog?

GANG LU: There are many good tech blogs from U.S and EU which are great resource for me to understand the market and the trend. However, they seldom talk about China and Asia web. I’ve been to a lot international events and conference as a speaker and attendee, and I understand that more and more people are very interested in Chinese and Asian tech market, but the information they got is still very limit because of language barrier as well as the culture difference.

The main purpose of starting MOBINODE.com is to tell people what is really happening in China/Asia. The blog was only written in English, but now we have Chinese version and even a video version called MOBINODE.TV. I really want it to be the bridge connecting local and international tech space and help on local startup ecosystem.

GOAP:  What areas of China’s tech sector most interest you and why?

GANG LU: I love the web business in general because it evolves so fast and so fascinating. Particularly I am really in love with the Mobile web. My PhD is about the wireless communications and I also believe any Internet business could expand to or find its new model in wireless world. And eventually, there will be no difference in wireless and wired as they will be seamlessly connected and there will be only one, called Internet.

GOAP:  You also follow trends in the western tech sector closely. What are some of your favorite blogs to read in the west?

GANG LU: Mainly two blogs, TechCrunch for latest about the industry and the market, ReadWriteWeb for the Tech trend and analysis.

GOAP:  Our GeeksOnAPlane group had the opportunity to meet you last year. What do you think about the idea of GeeksOnAPlane?

GANG LU: I think it’s absolutely a great idea to bring the cool international experts and geeks to China to let them really see what’s about in local market. If you are interested in Chinese market, you must come to China to feel it. I also think the tour give the local community a great chance to learn from those experienced international entrepreneurs and understand their successful stories and their insight. GOAP has done a great work and become a super hub connecting international and local industry.

GOAP: If you had some advice for the “geeks” on this trip and also the readers back in the U.S. who are following along, what kind of advice would you give them on better understanding China’s tech sector and how business is done in China?

GANG LU: My suggestion would be, if they have more time, stay in local longer and spend more time to talk to local people and the grassroot. I am sure more local guys you talk to, more true stories about local market you will explore.. Internet business is a culture thing, so go spend more time with the guys who understand the local culture better.

GOAP: You have a new company you’ve launched called KUUKIE. What can you tell us about it?

GANG LU: Yes. It’s KUUKIE.com which launched early this year. KUUKIE.com right now focus on online personalized card printing business. Basically, with simple steps, you can just upload your images, customize them online and we will do the printing and deliver them to you.

One of the most interesting parts is that each card (such as mini cards, business cards etc) you print in one box can be different from others. So the KUUKIE card could be your personal brand and the carrier of your own social media. I think it’s a very cool business, but for us it is just the first step. What I can say here, for the long term, we want it to be the link between your online and offline social identity.

GOAP: What do you do in your free time when you’re not blogging or working on your startup?

GANG LU: I don’t have much free time as I am doing some consulting work to help foreign or local company on its online strategy. But if I am free, I love to play football with friends or find a nice cafe to enjoy the coffee.

About Gang Lu
Dr. Gang Lu  [Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Universe] – Independent Asia/China Internet business observer and adviser, known speaker, Open concept/technology Evangelist, co-founder of OpenWeb.Asia Workgroup, Founder of MOBINODE, and co-founder of KUUKIE.com.

OpenWeb.Asia is the first independent workgroup focusing on Asia Internet industry, and is also the organizer of OpenWebAsia conference which is the first truly pan-Asia web technology event bringing together executives, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from throughout Asia. With strong academic background in wireless communications, years of research and development experience in mobile industry and international business management in web industry, Gang Lu is very passionate about the Open Web concept and plays very active role in building efficient channels among Asian local markets as well as between Asia web and global industry.

Gang Lu was the Asia Business Development Director of Netvibes.com, the world leading personalized homepage and widget technology provider. He is one of the first introducing Widget economy and Open Platform into Asian market. Prior to joining Netvibes, he was in charge of research and development of Multimedia Messaging Service platform and 3G applications in Dialogue Communications Ltd. a leading mobile messaging service provider in UK. Gang Lu is also the advisor of Tencent MIND, lead organizer of Google Technology User Group (GTUG) Shanghai, Initiator of ChinaMode Awards.

As an independent industry observer, technology and social media expert, Gang Lu has been invited to deliver keynote speeches and panel discussion at diverse international events/conference ranging from the China Internet Annual Summit to Tencent MIND Summit to Google China Developer Day, Milan Digital Entertainment Jam, NetExplorateur Forum, Paris etc. The topics cover the Asian Web, the China Internet Industry, Open Web technology, SNS Marketing, Social Networks, Mobile Technology and so on. Gang Lu was awarded TOP10 Best Expert of 2008 by iResearch, the leading Internet consulting company in China. He is also a recognised tech blogger.

His blog MOBINODE.com covers the Internet market news in Asia, especially in China, and was also voted as the best China Tech Blog in 2007 and 2008.

Get 15％ Off KUUKIE for GeeksOnAPlane 2010 － Just enter coupon code “GOAP” at checkout! — offer ends June 30th, 2010

Jill Buck speaking at the China Summit

GOAP: How would you best describe yourself and your interests to those following the GOAP Asia tour?

JILL: I’ve made several trips to China since my first one in 2007, and I have loved every single one. Most of my trips are spent with the China Entrepreneur Club, so this will be a fun chance to spend time with U.S. entrepreneurs. My main interests revolve around green tech, sustainable supply chain, and energy sector innovations.

GOAP: Why did you join the GOAP Asia tour?

JILL: I’m a strategic advisor for the Joint U.S. China Collaborative on Clean Energy (JUCCCE), so I will be on the lookout for contacts to support the mission of that organization. I’ve been hearing about the Expo since my first visit to Shanghai in Dec. ’07, so I’m very excited to see it. And I’m looking forward to tapping into the same geeky brainshare that led to so many cool new things for my organization after meeting several GOAP at [re]think: Hawaii!!!

GOAP: When people ask you what “GOAP” is, in your words how to do you describe it?

JILL: It’s a laid back consortium of big thinkers and high achievers from a random blend of industries and backgrounds who could change the world; make ridiculous amounts of money; or all of the above.

GOAP: What are you looking forward to the most about this trip?

JILL: Listening to what other GOAP are working on, and looking for natural synergies with my projects. While I’m super excited about what is on my plate these days, on this trip, I’m really anxious to absorb as much information from others as I can.

GOAP: What are some current projects and/or areas of interest you’re working on that we should know about?

I’m working on a “Green Across America” video tour, which will showcase ways that people are ‘going green’ in their homes, businesses and schools in all parts of the U.S. I’m also working on a campaign to get people weaned away from bottled water by using stainless steel containers  – my organization is selling them, and using the profit to finance student scholarships (picture attached). And I’m working on a book that will address the 3 big issues that keep me up at night: water, energy and global urbanization. Humankind is making a radical shift right now, and as a mom of 3, I can’t just sit by and let the chips fall where they may. My motto is: “it’s not good enough to prepare our children for the future. We must prepare the future for our children.”

GOAP: Where do people go to learn more about what you do and how can they best connect with you if they want to get involved?

JILL: I’ve recently thrown a grenade into the middle of my website, so it’s not perfect, but very soon the newly revised site will blow your mind. In the meantime, you can still access my blogs, Flickr stream, YouTube channel, Tweets, Facebook, and a few other social media platforms by visiting: www.gogreeninitiative.org

If you want to read a highlight report from my Earth Day 2010 trip to Chengdu (yes, that’s 2 trips to China in a month), you can click on this link: http://www.mediafire.com/?wjzhwoi4wih

And if you’d like to learn more about the “Green in America” tour, click here.

Follow Jill on Twitter at @jillbuck

About Jill Buck

Upon graduation from the University of Illinois in 1991, Jill Buck was commissioned a Naval Officer. While stationed at the Fleet Training Center, San Diego, she served as the Legal, Physical Security, Admin, and Command Inspection Officer, as well as a Damage Control Instructor. She is an honor graduate of the Military Justice School, and a graduate of the Navy’s small arms weapons course, taught by former Navy Seals.

In 2002, Jill wrote the Go Green Initiative, which is now the largest and fastest growing comprehensive environmental education program in the world, operating in all 50 U.S. states, 13 countries, and on 4 continents. The program has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), National Recycling Coalition, 8 State PTA’s, California Integrated Waste Management Board, California Resource Recovery Association, and many more.

Jill owns Buck Consulting, which helps businesses “go green”, and achieve profitability through sustainability. She teaches business leaders how to drive revenue up and costs down through environmentally responsible business practices, and how to engage in “green marketing” to increase market share. Her techniques and training are applicable across all industry sectors. In August 2007, she was invited to serve on the International Appraisal Committee for the Daonong Center for Enterprise, a think tank formed by the China Entrepreneur Club. Jill was one of the VIP speakers for the 1st Green Business Summit in Beijing on Earth Day 2008. Jill serves as a Commissioner on the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission. Jill is the host of “Go Green Radio”, a weekly program on the U.S. largest internet talk radio station, Voice America.

Jill is an international featured speaker at business, public policy, political, and environmental conventions, and is one of the nation’s leading advocates of free market solutions for environmental protection issues. Jill has been featured in such publications as U.S. Mayor, NSBA newsletter, Working Mother Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Diablo Magazine’s “Women to Watch”,Cleveland Business Connects Magazine, and Dermatology Times.

Recent awards include:

• Letter of Commendation, City of San Jose for Go Green Initiative work
• City of Pleasanton’s “Integrity Award”
• Presidential Letter of Congratulations from President George W. Bush
• Governor Schwarzenegger’s Recognition for Environmental Leadership
• Honorary Service Award from California State PTA and Pleasanton PTA Council

Jill lives in Pleasanton, CA with her husband, Mark, and three children, Katie, Andy and Mandy.

Jill got a chance to hang out with a real panda during a recent trip to Chengdu where she was a speaker on Earth Day.

photo: cc / technotheory

Dave Troy is an entrepreneur, angel investor, software developer and community builder based in Baltimore, Maryland. He was part of the very first GeeksOnAPlane Asia tour last year that took the group to Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai and is joining the group again this year so we thought we’d ask him a few questions why.

GOAP: You were one of the original “GeeksOnAPlane” who went with Dave McClure to Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai last year. You’ve signed up for this year’s Asia trip again. What are some of the highlights of last year’s GOAP trip that made an impact on you?

DAVE: I really enjoyed getting to see the Asian tech community. I had wanted to travel to Asia for a long time and meet the tech startup communities there, but arranging those meetings would have been difficult. GOAP made it much easier and opened lots of doors. Hearing the real facts behind the Chinese Internet and seeing the Tokyo startup world first-hand was really eye opening.

GOAP: Those that haven’t been on a GOAP trip don’t often understand it’s appeal. How do you describe GOAP to others when they ask you about it?

DAVE: Since I don’t live in Silicon Valley, GOAP is an extraordinarily efficient way to form lasting bonds with Bay-area entrepreneurs through a shared experience that is both intellectually interesting and fun. It’s like a business leadership class combined with a summer camp and a vacation all wrapped into one. I made lots of lasting connections.

GOAP: Why are you taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us again this year?

DAVE: Getting to meet new people in Seoul and Singapore sounds interesting, and the Shanghai World Expo sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m also anxious to meet a whole new batch of friends in both the US and Asia.

GOAP: What are you hoping to do on this trip this time around …who are you hoping to connect with? What sectors are you looking at? etc.

DAVE: I am most looking forward to getting to know the other GOAP participants. I don’t really know what to expect in Seoul and Singapore, but I’m sure we’ll get a crash-course in the entrepreneurial culture in those cities. I’ve been studying entrepreneurial culture and am anxious to see what’s happening.

GOAP: What are you currently working on these days that we should know about and look out for?

DAVE: I’m working on three startups and continuing to do angel investing and community building. We’re about to put one of the startups (called Replyz.com) into private beta, and the other two are moving along nicely. One is in the email space, the other is in the mobile space. I’m looking forward to making connections that can help me advance these businesses!

Interested in connecting with Dave Troy during GeeksOnAPlane Asia? Follow him at @davetroy

Learn more about Dave here:

blog: www.davetroy.com (@davetroy)
community: www.beehivebaltimore.org (@bhivebmore)
investing: www.baltimoreangels.org (@baltimoreangels)
events: @TEDxMidAtlantic, @barcampbmore, @socialdevcamp
projects: www.twittervision.com, www.flickrvision.com
Partner, Roundhouse Technologies

Dave Troy speaking at Barcamp Shanghai 2009 | photo: @web2asia

Shanghai will be the first stop for GeeksOnAPlane and we’re looking forward to checking out the World Expo. Here are some shots being shared by those who have already visited in the past week.

GeeksOnaPlane had a terrific year in 2009 traveling all over the world. Our upcoming trip to East Asia leaves on May 21st from San Francisco. The main tour group will visit Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Singapore. A few of us will also end the tour in Tokyo.  For more info, see the tour overview below or visit the pages for each of our tour cities.

Reservations for the main tour group are now sold out, however you are still welcome to join us for individual events in any of our tour cities.

Tour Objectives:

* Meet startups, geeks, & investors in cities around the world.
* Learn about trends in internet, mobile, and other tech platforms.
* Gain insight into local markets, demographics, business models.
* Meet cool people, new ventures, have fun on planes, trains, buses.

Dave McClure has been geeking out in Silicon Valley for over twenty years as a software developer, entrepreneur, startup advisor, angel investor, blogger, and internet marketing nerd. Dave currently runs FF Angel, a seed-stage investment program for Founders Fund, and ran the 2009 fbFund REV incubator program on behalf of Facebook, Accel Partners, & Founders Fund.

Dave’s passion is helping startups with marketing, product strategy, and startup metrics, and he has been an advisor or investor for over 50 companies in the past five years including: Mint.com (acquired by Intuit), CreditKarma, KissMetrics, Mashery, Simply Hired, SlideShare, TeachStreet, and Twilio.

Dave is the co-founder of Startup2Startup & Finance4Founders, monthly dinner meetings for Silicon Valley startup entrepreneurs & investors.  He leads a travel group called GeeksOnaPlane to promote cultural exchange & education for tech entrepreneurs around the world.  Dave also supports the StartupVisa program to reform & improve US immigration policy for entrepreneurs.

Dave has been a conference organizer for many tech and startup events including STARTonomics, Graphing Social Patterns, and Web 2.0 Expo, and has been a guest lecturer on social network platforms & applications at Stanford University.  Dave has been a boardmember for microfinance accelerator Unitus, an advisor to microfinance lender Kiva.org, and co-founded the Silicon Valley Microfinance Network.

Previously Dave launched and ran marketing for job search engine Simply Hired, and its evil twin SimplyFired.com.  From 2001 to 2004, Dave worked at PayPal (acquired by eBay in 2002) as Director of Marketing, where he started the PayPal Developer Network program. Prior to PayPal, Dave was a database consultant & programmer for several companies, including Microsoft and Intel. In 1994 he founded Aslan Computing, an internet & e-commerce consulting group later acquired by Servinet / Panurgy in 1998.

Before coming to Silicon Valley, Dave barely graduated from the Johns Hopkins University with a BS Engineering in Mathematical Sciences and a minor in frisbee, billiards, & foosball. His interests include microfinance and economic innovation, entrepreneurship and venture capital, ultimate frisbee, cartoons and animation, and an ever-growing collection of funny-looking hats.

For more info visit Dave’s LinkedIn profile or his blog: Master of 500 Hats.

—

[Community / Personal Interest]

Think Globally.  Dave has a significant interest & involvement in microfinance & microcredit.  In 2004 Dave began helping Unitus, a venture accelerator for microfinance institutions around the world, to help spread awareness in the SF Bay Area & to educate people on the tremendous opportunity Unitus sees to eradicate poverty in our lifetime.  Dave served as a Unitus board member from 2005 thru 2009.  In 2006 Dave became an advisor to Kiva.org, an internet-based microfinance startup that helps lend money to entrepreneurs & the working poor in developing countries.  In 2009 Dave became an advisor to Vittana, which enables access to peer-to-peer education loans for students around the world, and to SamaSource, which helps provide computer-based work to women, youth, and refugees living in poverty in Africa.

Act Locally.  In 2005, Dave became a founder & board member for the Silicon Valley Microfinance Network (SVMN), a local user group that covers topics & issues in microfinance.  In 2004 Dave joined the Full Circle Fund, a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping people in the local SF Bay Area with specific issues in Education, Affordable Housing, and Technology Access. Dave has previously been a member of Full Circle’s Technology Impact Circle.

Other Stuff: Dave lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he landed after barely graduating from the Johns Hopkins University in 1988 with a BS in Mathematical Sciences Engineering and a minor in frisbee, billiards, and foosball. His interests and hobbies vary widely, including microfinance and economic innovation, entrepreneurship and venture capital, jazz and classical music, politics and business, numerous sports and games, ultimate frisbee, cartoons and animation, and an ever-growing collection of funny-looking hats…

photo: CC / technotheory