1. upgraded mysql odbc connector: https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/file/?id=472464
2. control panel - data source(odbc) - user DSN - add - mysql odbc 5.3 Unicode driver
*** on 'mysql conector/odbc data source configuration' panel - details, remember to:
1) check 'interactive client'
2) set 'character set': GBK
3. in MATLAB:
slCharacterEncoding('GBK);
conn = database(datasource, username, pswd);
curs = exec(conn, querystatement);
curs = fetch(curs, 5);
data = curs.data
4. bingo.