southeast asia
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HBO Max will launch direct-to-consumer in new Asia Pacific markets, featuring popular titles like “Harry Potter” and “House of the Dragon.” New series “IT: Welcome to Derry” premieres on October. The platform offers customizable profiles, parental controls, and a user-friendly interface for an enhanced streaming experience. Full Read
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K-Pop sensation aespa has released their sixth mini album, Rich Man, emphasizing inner strength over material wealth. Collaborating with Spotify, they invite fans to experience MY VAULT, an interactive celebration in Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The event allows attendees to explore personal growth, featuring exclusive merchandise and engaging activities. Full Read
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Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore opened, featuring attractions inspired by the Despicable Me franchise. Key highlights include a unique Minion-themed carousel and diverse dining options. This addition emphasizes RWS’s growth as a premier destination, aiming to enhance visitor experiences and attract tourists of all ages. Full Read
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The content outlines various luxurious locations related to “The White Lotus,” including accommodations like Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and Anantara properties, as well as restaurants and wellness facilities. It also lists scenic spots in Phuket and Koh Samui, highlighting cultural sites like Buddhist monasteries and marine parks. Full Read
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Netflix Indonesia will showcase a diverse lineup of local films and series in 2025, featuring various genres. Collaborating with talented Indonesian creators, notable productions include The Actor, The Elixir, and A Normal Woman. The initiative underscores Netflix’s commitment to authentic storytelling that resonates with Indonesian audiences while reaching global viewers. Full Read
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With the immense weight that ‘trigger cities’ like Manila and Jakarta carry as music adopters, Southeast Asia serves as a key market to dictate streaming habits and patterns worldwide. As Spotify hits close to 250 million paid subscribers this 2024, the music streaming giant continues to look towards SEA for inspiration. Full Read
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In 2024, Netflix Thailand launched the “Tee Thai Tee Mun” campaign, showcasing local productions that captivated audiences, including the top-ranking Master of the House. In 2025, they focus on diverse stories highlighting Thai culture, with six films and three series, featuring themes of inspiration, resilience, and crime thrillers. Full Read
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NBCUniversal is enhancing its global theme park offerings with major projects launching in 2025. Highlights include the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights in Hollywood, Illumination’s Minion Land in Singapore, an expanded SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Japan, and Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Full Read
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Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, launches in Asia Pacific, offering access to HBO, Harry Potter, DC Universe, and more. Subscribers can enjoy popular series, new premieres, and blockbuster films. Max aims for consumer-centric features, personalization, and various subscription plans to cater to diverse viewing preferences in the region. Full Read
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The Shadow Strays, directed by Timo Tjahjanto, is an action-packed Indonesian film now streaming on Netflix. It quickly gained global popularity, ranking among the Top 10 films in 85 countries. The film explores deep emotional connections through characters like 13 and Umbra, showcasing intense action alongside complex narratives. Full Read
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The inaugural Creative Asia Forum was held at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival, bringing together over 130 emerging filmmakers. Featuring masterclasses and workshops led by industry leaders, the event aimed to foster collaboration and highlight creative stories from the Asia-Pacific region, celebrating local authenticity in global storytelling. Full Read
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Netflix announced the launch of the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity in Taiwan, partnering with TAICCA to provide opportunities for underrepresented talent. The six-week workshop aims to cultivate writing skills for over 40 participants, with renowned industry professionals leading sessions. This initiative demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to supporting local creative communities and fostering diverse storytelling. Full Read
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Netflix hosted the APAC Showcase in Jakarta, spotlighting local creators from Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. The event emphasized investment in diverse storytelling and showcased upcoming titles from each country. The event aims to bring authentic local stories to a global audience and support emerging and established creators in Southeast Asia. Full Read
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The Asoka trend, inspired by the 2001 Hindi film, is a viral beauty trend on TikTok. It features bold makeup, geometric patterns, and vibrant Indian clothing. Filipino celebrities like Ivana Alawi and Alex Gonzaga have added their own unique twists to the trend, making it a hit in the Philippines. Full Read
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The White Lotus series has significantly impacted tourism in its featured destinations, boosting interest and spending. Thailand’s proactive incentives and tax waivers lured the show away from Japan. While locals anticipate economic benefits, concerns arise about environmental impact and sustainability. The phenomenon of “set-jetting” continues to shape travel trends worldwide. Full Read
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TikTok introduces the TikTok Academy: Elevate program in Southeast Asia to empower agency partners and nurture future leaders in marketing. The program will collaborate with 350 emerging agency leaders to develop industry knowledge, leadership skills, and personal well-being, culminating in an Elevate Leadership Summit in Bali. The goal is to inspire growth and sustainability in the industry. Full Read
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TikTok Shop continues to be a reliable and trusted e-commerce platform for Singaporean brands and shoppers as it launches TikTok Shop Mall, a by-invite only channel exclusively for brands’ flagship stores and authorized online retail outlets. Through TikTok Shop Mall, TikTok Shop aims to further enhance Singaporeans shoppers’ positive experience by providing them access to a curated selection of local… Full Read
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Top women creators and talent from Netflix’s Southeast Asia titles gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss representation on screen at Netflix’s event, Reflections of Me, celebrating International Women’s Month. The panel, moderated by actress Marissa Anita, emphasized the importance of authentic female characters and the impact of having more women in front of and behind the camera. Full Read
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Carousell co-founder Lucas Ngoo will step down from day-to-day management after 11 years. Despite this, he will maintain vested interests in Carousell’s success and play an advisory role. Ngoo aims to focus on learning new areas of innovation and industries. Carousell also recently opened a new regional headquarters in Singapore. Full Read
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LinkedIn is expanding its free verification feature to reach over 700 million users and aims to have 100 million verified by 2025. The platform has partnered with Persona to roll out identity verification to members in several countries. Verified members gain increased profile views, comments, reactions, and connection requests, fostering a trusted community. Full Read
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Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority have launched the GenAI Sandbox to support Singaporean SMEs. The initiative aims to provide 300 SMEs with GenAI-powered solutions for marketing, sales, and customer engagement. The implementation of GenAI technology is widespread among communications professionals, with a focus on improving productivity and simplifying complex tasks. Full Read
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Singapore is grappling with a rise in youth mental health issues, possibly linked to heavy social media use and lack of free play. The Nation’s Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need for global research collaboration to understand the root causes. Full Read
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The mega merger between TikTok and ecommerce platform Tokopedia in Indonesia has been finalized, bringing TikTok Shop back to the country from a previous ban. The combined entity, now co-owned by TikTok and GoTo Group, will see TikTok holding a controlling stake. Additionally, the establishment of a technology center with Gadjah Mada University and a $1.5 billion commitment were highlighted. Full Read
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APAC Consumers are increasingly prioritizing value over price, according to the latest TikTok report
The report by TikTok and Accenture reveals that 79% of APAC consumers prioritize value over price. Non-promotional content influences 79% of consumers, and two distinct consumer categories, social-oriented and product-oriented, are identified in APAC. Consumers seek content-driven platforms for shopping and are influenced by Content Communities. The report is available for download on www.tiktokshoppertainment.com. Full Read
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Malaysian influencer’s viral TikTok post about watching a movie in an empty cinema hall clarified as a stroke of luck. The post sparked a debate on solo movie-watching preferences and flaunting wealth. Eriyca faces the criticisms and finds the comments section entertaining. Full Read
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Singapore’s top influencers include Naomi Neo, Noah Yap, and Jianhao Tan. Influencer marketing in Singapore has grown significantly, with brands leveraging more influencers. Meltwater’s State of Influencer Marketing Report 2023 indicated that influencers are highly memorable and provide an authentic channel for brands to connect with their audiences. This has led to brands like Dove and Shopee engaging influencers for… Full Read
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A new report revealed a 1530% increase in deepfake fraud in the APAC region, with the Philippines seeing a 4500% surge. Top industries affected include online media, professional services, and healthcare. Regulatory measures, such as enhanced monitoring for suspicious transactions, are being implemented in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore to combat this growing threat. Full Read
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Box Vietnam, a social gaming and live entertainment company, secures undisclosed funding from TheVentures’ Asia Advance Fund 1 and angel investors. The investment will enhance tech capabilities and expand the network of creators for Box Vietnam’s platforms, including Box Studio, Box Sports, and GG Live. Full Read
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eCommerce solution TikTok Shop has appointed global brand and customer experience agency VMLY&R to handle TikTok Shop’s major multimarket push around the year’s biggest online shopping days. The ‘shoppertainment’ campaigns aim to position TikTok Shop as the go-to shopping destination for Southeast Asia’s Gen Z consumers aged 18 to 34, and to drive purchases on the TikTok app. Likewise, the… Full Read
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Popeyes Singapore launches a speed dating show titled “Spice up that Love” to promote its Smoky Sriracha Chicken line. The show includes dates and conversation prompts related to the menu. Participants engage on TikTok and Instagram, and the brand previously offered a “Chicken Hotline” for free chicken nuggets. Full Read
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Telegram has not complied with requests to remove sexually explicit content, but the government is working to engage with platforms and enforce age restrictions to protect users. Singapore’s government seeks to improve online safety through measures such as the Online Criminal Harms Act and the IMDA’s Code of Practice for Online Safety. Full Read
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TikTok and YouTube are considering applying for e-commerce licenses in Indonesia following the country’s ban on social media e-commerce. With a population of over 270 million, Indonesia recorded $52 billion in e-commerce transactions last year. The move came after Meta Platforms applied for a similar license. Full Read
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Smile Makers has launched “Audioboobs,” a series of erotic audiobooks that intertwines self-examination within sensual plots whilst emphasizing the importance of proactive self-care. This unique approach empowers and prioritize women’s breast health while fostering pleasure. Available on Spotify, the series promotes inclusivity and aims to destigmatize discussions about women’s health. Full Read
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Around 70% of Singaporeans and 82% of Southeast Asian consumers are influenced by celebrities or influencers when making purchases. Beauty products are popular among female consumers (72%), while electronics lead for males (50%). The study by impact.com and Cube Asia also revealed consumer preferences for social media platforms and their trust in AI influencers. Full Read
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Vogue Singapore celebrates its third anniversary with a special collectable cover featuring embedded audio content. The collaboration with Spatial Labs allows readers to unlock an exclusive soundscape experience. The issue’s theme, “Voices”, showcases Southeast Asian talent and marks a milestone in print publishing. Full Read
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TikTok launches TikTok Music, a premium music streaming service in Singapore. It integrates music discovery from TikTok, allowing users to enjoy viral tracks, create collaborative playlists, and enjoy ad-free listening. New features include Party It, FYP Tuning, and Tonik, making music discovery more personalized. Users can try the service with a one-month free trial. Full Read
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AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes faced backlash for sharing a photo of himself receiving a massage during a management meeting on LinkedIn. The post, praising the company culture, was criticized for fostering an inappropriate work environment. Fernandes deleted the post after it sparked criticism, with many deeming his behavior unprofessional and potentially uncomfortable for employees. Full Read
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To engage a wider audience, brands should focus on purpose-driven communication and storytelling. Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and integrating ESG at every touchpoint can foster lasting brand loyalty. However, businesses must avoid greenwashing and prioritize authenticity in their ESG efforts. Full Read
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Drake’s recently released album faced backlash in Singapore due to a controversial lyric insulting the country. The song triggered a 34.5% negative sentiment increase among Singaporean netizens, leading to ongoing criticism. The offensive line sparked shock and heated discussions online with many highlighting the inaccuracy of the portrayal of Singapore’s economic status. Full Read
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TikTok Shop Malaysia announced plans to introduce marketing support tools for merchants, including increased subsidies and 0% commission on purchases made through the “Shop” tab. The platform aims to boost LIVE sessions for shoppertainment and strengthen connections with audiences – seeking to drive eCommerce growth and support small businesses. Full Read
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Ruder Finn acquired Pandan Social, a Malaysian digital marketing agency. The move aims to strengthen Ruder Finn’s digital marketing leadership. Pandan Social’s expertise and services will be integrated into Ruder Finn’s digital arm. This acquisition expands Ruder Finn’s presence in Asia to 26 offices and aligns with their new diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. Full Read
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Indonesia’s President has announced a potential regulation control for e-commerce on social media. Officials have expressed concerns about predatory pricing and its impact on traditional markets, singling out TikTok as an example. The proposed regulation is being developed by the Ministry of Trade and would not require parliamentary approval. This move has sparked debate among stakeholders, including tech companies like… Full Read
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The Weeknd collaborates with Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights for a haunted house featuring his albums ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM’. The experience will include remixes of his tracks and showcase his blend of music and horror. The event will run from September 29 to November 4, offering a unique blend of Asian and Western elements. Full Read
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MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host Vice Ganda made history as the first Filipino who has 15 million followers on Twitter or X. In a recent episode of “It’s Showtime,” Vice said that despite the recent icing controversy with boyfriend Ion Perez, he gained more followers. “Tingnan mo nga naman o mas dumami pa ang followers ko. Mas marami pa ‘yung… Full Read
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Thai minister threatens to shut down Facebook due to inadequate ad screening, leaving users vulnerable to scams. Over 5,000 fraudulent ads blocked; problem persists. Ads and fake profiles lure users into financial scams. Meta asked for email queries, did not comment. Court ruling timeline unclear. Facebook popular in Thailand with over 50 million users. Full Read
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TikTok experienced significant growth in Southeast Asia, contributing to a slowdown in premium video streaming. The SVOD market saw minimal growth, with varying performance across countries. Viu, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix gained 1.2 million customers, largely due to the popularity of Korean dramas. Local content also played a significant role in the region’s premium VOD market. Full Read
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A new code of practice in Singapore mandates social media platforms to promptly inform users of actions taken on their reports of online harms. Regulations include keeping harmful advertisements away from young users, and annually submitting online safety reports. Failure to comply may result in fines or service blockage. The code also specifies guidelines for content moderation and user safety… Full Read
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Meta is launching Meta Verified, a subscription bundle for Instagram/Facebook users in Asia Pacific, including Singapore. Subscribers get a verified badge, account protection, and support. Eligible users must meet activity requirements, be 18+, and submit matching government ID. The subscription includes proactive account impersonation monitoring and starts from $15. Full Read
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TikTok’s Shoppertainment Summit in Jakarta highlighted its focus on merging content and commerce, offering seamless in-app purchasing to its 325 million Southeast Asian users. 81% of users plan to shop online during the Mega Sales season, indicating the platform’s influence. TikTok’s tools empower businesses and have driven notable success stories in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. Full Read
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Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will take legal action against Meta Platforms Inc for not removing “undesirable content” from Facebook. The regulator emphasized the need for cybersecurity accountability and protecting consumers against online harms. Additionally, MCMC is considering action against Telegram due to cybercrime cases associated with the platform. Full Read
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TikTok plans to invest billions in Southeast Asia, targeting e-commerce growth through training, advertising, and support for small businesses. With a large user base in the region, the app aims to harness its popularity for e-commerce sales and content diversification, amid global scrutiny over data security and competition from major rivals. Full Read
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In Southeast Asia, targeting consumers on social media is crucial due to unique cultural dynamics shaping social media habits. Consumers spend around 3 hours daily on social platforms, with females spending 22 minutes more than males. Influencer marketing is powerful, and social commerce, particularly WhatsApp gaining momentum and offering immense opportunities. Full Read
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TikTok is partnering with the 32nd SEA Games to enhance fan engagement with in-app features, effects, and exclusive content. Fans in Singapore can expect real-time updates, exclusive interactions with athletes, and new in-app features to support their favorite national teams. Users can connect with fellow sports enthusiasts and engage with local athletes on the platform. Full Read
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Elon Musk’s Twitter offices in Singapore faced eviction as rent went unpaid. Employees were instructed to work remotely after being escorted out by landlords due to missed payments. Musk’s cost-saving measures, including layoffs and benefit cuts, have stirred controversy at Twitter. The billionaire’s tactics continue to impact the company and its employees. Full Read
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