HELLO
A bit more about me
I’m Manya Koetse, a sinologist and the founder, writer, and editor of Eye on Digital China, previously What’s on Weibo. With an academic background in Literary Studies, Sinology, Japanology, & Asian Studies, my interest in East Asia has been the motor driving me throughout my studies and career. I founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 to bridge the gap between English-language media and China’s online world. In 2025, this mission evolved into Eye on Digital China, an independent newsletter where I explore China’s online conversations and digital spaces.
Alongside my work on Eye on Digital China, I am also active as a public speaker, consultant, and freelance writer. I focus on digital culture, social trends, online narratives, media ecosystems, and historical context—particularly in China and Japan. My broader interests include nationalism, literature, popular culture, and gender issues, and I’m drawn to the stories that connect and inspire us. And oh, I also love hotpot.
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👉 Connect on LinkedIn.
👉 Connect on LinkedIn.
Editor in Chief
Expert Interviews
Public Speaker
Writer & Columnist
Digital Portfolio
Publications & Media
A selection of publications, podcasts, and media appearances are highlighted in this digital portfolio: click here for an overview.
Book Manya as a keynote speaker
“Over the past decade, China has seen a digital revolution that is profoundly changing the lives of tens of millions of Chinese. Its mobile internet ecosystem, led by the country’s tech giants, has come to play a crucial role in China’s transformation from an agricultural state to an online digital leader.”