Microsoft pumps more cash into China

Beijing - Microsoft announced yesterday it is injecting US$100 million into its partnership with the Chinese government to invest in software companies in Greater China, and has appointed Simon Leung as CEO for Greater China Region (GCR).

The new investment will provide US$100 million in software development and services projects, and provide IT skills training for 80,000 people. Microsoft's five-year investment agreement with Beijing began in 2006.

The group has decided to establish an Executive Management Committee for the GCR to provide leadership and governance across the Microsoft organization because it sees the strategic importance and business potential of the region.

Leung will be responsible for the development and implementation of an overall regional strategy across all business and address the needs of the market.

Ya-Qin Zhang, who is the corporate VP of Microsoft and chairman of the China Research and Development Group has recently been appointed as vice chairman of Microsoft GCR. He will work closely with Leung to lead Microsoft's overall strategy.

"Microsoft attaches great importance to China, both as a market and because it is such a key center for innovation," Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, said.