CKGSB Knowledge Authors

Download the June 2013 issue of CKGSB Magazine: Future of Freemium

June 30, 2013

You are invited to download the June issue of CKGSB Magazine. You’ll enjoy articles and interviews like:

COVER STORY:

The Future of Freemium:

In light of the recent debate over whether WeChat should start charging its users, CKGSB Magazine takes a close look at the freemium model in which a company provides the bulk of its services free of cost and amasses a huge user base. It only charges a premium from a handful of users who subscribe to the value-added services. The story looks at the viability of the model and how companies like Chinese gaming giant Tencent are finding ways of keeping their services free. The story also looks at how the model has worked globally with companies like Skype, LinkedIn and Evernote.

SNAPSHOT:

What’s in a Brand?: China’s top 10 brands and the companies behind the logos

CHINA INSIGHT:

  • 4G in China: Can China’s mobile networks make good on 4G after failures with 3G?
  • Smeared!: How smear campaigns can hurt business in China, and what can you do as a company when you are the target of such a campaign.
  • No Love Lost: Can foreign car makers in China continue to dominate the Chinese market while appeasing their Chinese counterparts?
  • The Freeze: Regulators have suspended IPOs on China’s stock markets. What’s their strategy and how will it affect Chinese companies?
  • Upwardly Mobile: Swarms of start-ups in mobile technology are feeling the effects of hyper-competition, illusive investment and fickle consumers.
  • The Ascent: China’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are making progress in honing competitiveness, despite political burdens.
  • The Switch: How PC-manufacturer Lenovo is gearing up for the era of tablets and smartphones.

BUSINESS BAROMETER:

  • Blip in Confidence: According to the Business Conditions Index brought out by CKGSB’s Case Center and Center for Economic Research, China’s entrepreneurs forecast modest figures for company growth in the coming years due to concerns over a slowing economy.

VIEWPOINT:

  • Real Estate: CKGSB’s Prof Liu Jing on why now is not a time to buy.

CONVERSATIONS:

  • The Thinker Interview: Stuart Hart, one of the two proponents of the Bottom of the Pyramid theory, on the evolution of the idea that revolutionized business thinking and sustainability. (Video Interview here)
  • The Lady de Rothschild Interview: Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild believes that capitalism is not a lost cause. It only needs long-term thinking and a more human face. (Video Interview Part 1 & Part 2)
  • C-Suite: Shi Tao, Vice-President (Retail) of the Chinese e-commerce retailer Jingdong, on lessons from its global push.
  • Q&A: Ogilvy & Mather Asia Chief Knowledge Officer and Cultural Insights Director Kunal Sinha on why China’s lower-tier cities hold the key to the country’s growth.

BOOKSHELF:

  • Edward Tse, Chairman Emeritus (Greater China), Booz & Co, shares his picks for financial and spiritual reads.

DOWNTIME:

  • Brewing Sophistication: In China tea is more than just a beverage. It is a living history, as rich, complicated and sophisticated as you want it to be.

To read the June 2013 issue, simply click on the magazine cover.

After it loads, you can save it to your computer.

Keep in touch

To stay informed about new articles on the CKGSB Knowledge website, please follow us:

 src=  src=  src=

Enjoying what you’re reading?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get more China insights delivered to your inbox.

Our Programs

Asia Start

Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.

LocationBeijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong

DateMarch 24-28, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Innovation, Scaling and the Next Generation of Unicorns Program

Global Unicorn Program Series

This 4-days program equips entrepreneurs, executives and investors with the tools to scale luxury brands globally, drawing inspiration from Italian heritage craftsmanship and leveraging innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge strategies to drive success in international markets.

LocationMilan, Italy

DateApril 14-17, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Scaling Innovation: AI and Digital Strategies for Business Transformation

Global Unicorn Program Series

This program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic insights and tools necessary to lead in this transformative era.

LocationNew York, USA

DateJune 23-27, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI

Global Unicorn Program Series

In collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), this CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.

LocationStanford University Campus, California, United States

DateSeptember 29 – October 3, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley

Global Unicorn Program Series

Co-developed by CKGSB and UC Berkeley College of Engineering, this program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.

LocationUC Berkeley

DateNovember 2-7, 2025

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Disruption of Traditional Industries

Global Unicorn Program Series

The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.

LocationSydney, Australia

DateFebruary 22 - 26, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program

Global Unicorn Program Series

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.

DateSummer, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more