Asian media idols become masters of their own domains
As some stars know all too well, the internet can be a great promo tool and a hazardous place that can ruin your reputation. That's why IT company DotAsia initiated its celebrity programme encouraging Asian media idols to register their own .asia domain.
So far, apparently more than 700 local artists and celebrities have become masters of their domain, including such non-Hong Kong stars as Indian cricketer Kapil Dev and Japanese music group Chage and Aska.
Local registered celebrities who dropped by on Wednesday included Andy Hui Chi-on (below right), Ella Koon Yun-na, Wilfred Lau Ho-lung and Justin Lo Ting-wei - all of whom presumably use their internet platform for good rather than evil. During the evening DotAsia also presented a cheque for HK$120,000 collectively to the Andy Hui Global Foundation and the William So International Foundation, both set up by their singer namesakes to help victims of the recent mainland snowstorms.
DotAsia chief executive Edmon Chung Wang-on (below left) admits .asia may not fully protect against online dangers but says it offers celebrities a forum of their own.
'I don't think DotAsia can solve the world's problems but what we have done is taken one step to protect the identity of an artist online in Asia. However, users should be cautious and know whatever they put online can also be used by anybody in and around the world. That's also the beauty of the internet.'
