We here at mobileYouth would like to wish you a Happy New Year, a Chinese one that is.  We thought this would be an opportune time to let you know what is going on in the world’s largest country when it comes to youth and marketing.  Here are a few tidbits to highlight and preview the exciting new Year of the Tiger.

Shanghai’s Bike Rental System Set to Transform City’s Biking Landscape (enovate)
One of Shanghai’s oldest bicycle brands: Shanghai Forever Bicycle Company sets in motion its grand plan to integrate a comprehensive bike rental system along Shanghai’s streets. Mirroring successful bike rental platforms in Paris and Hangzhou.

Japanese Speedskater Miho Takagi’s Revealing Uniform(chinasmak)
Beijing Time February 11 news, 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the 15-year-old athlete and new member of the Japanese team has once again made waves, this time not because of her representing her country at such a young age, but because the appearance of her “see-through” competition outfit at the Vancouver training grounds has incited a great uproar.

Shike: A New Marketing Model Thrives in Beijing (enovate)
Shike (试客) means “testing customer,” and is now a registered trademark and a new business model launched just a few days ago in Beijing. It’s a website, a market research company, and a franchise with 4 shops in Beijing with a plan to expand the network city-wide.

For one yuan a day, you join the Shike club and receive 3 product samples a day. You might receive a drink, a box of tissues, and a sample of luxury skincare. Definitely a good deal. Once people receive the sample, they’re incentivized to give feedback on the product. The more they comment on products, the more points they receive, which translates into discount coupons and more prestigious samples.

Top 5 Chinese Technology Trends For The Year Of The Tiger (China Tech News)
E-books and E-book Devices, Cloud Computing, Google and Chinese Search Engines, More Technology Conferences and Events, Online Video Crackdowns

Reaching the Chinese Consumer – Don’t Forget About TV (The China Observer)
With the rise of internet and mobile communications we have somewhat forgotten about the role of TV in mass markets.  China is set to become the fourth largest global ad market in 2010, with spending on television advertising set to increase.  Here is a quick look at the state of Chinese television.

Working with China’s Generation Y (BusinessWeek)
Multinational companies in China need to consider new strategies to manage Gen Y employees, now half of China’s working-age population.  In urban China, Gen Y is a group of exceptionally talented people. No other generation in Chinese history has received such high-quality education for so many people. Chinese Gen Ys are single children born under China’s one-child policy.

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