Digital Domain Partners with Mr. Song Hoi See Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group to Launch “Digital Human Hospitality Services”

HONG KONG, July 6, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Digital Domain Holdings Limited (“Digital Domain”, stock code: 547) and Mr. Song Hoi See, Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking joint venture to initiate the business of digital human hospitality services. This new entity aims to redefine the global hospitality and airport services landscape with innovative digital human technology and AI.

The joint venture will function as a separate entity, utilizing the strengths of its parent company’s core business in Hollywood visual effects technologies to provide industry leading innovations. This venture combines Digital Domain’s cutting-edge digital human technology with Mr. Song’s extensive expertise in global hospitality and airport services through Plaza Premium Group. Together, they will offer intelligent, interactive, and highly personalized services to meet the various aspects of changing needs for modern travelers.

Today, Digital Domain held the “The Next Frontier in Travel” press conference at Taoyuan International Airport. Distinguished guests, including Taoyuan City Mayor, Mr. Chang San-Cheng, Digital Domain CEO, Mr. Daniel Seah, Plaza Premium Group Founder and CEO, Mr. Song Hoi See, and Taoyuan International Airport Corporation Ltd. Chairman, Mr. Yang Weifuu attended the event and delivered speeches.

Strategic Vision and Expertise Unite

This collaboration represents the convergence of two industry leaders:

– Digital Domain: With over 30-years experience in creating some of the most breath- taking visuals for Hollywood films, the veteran VFX studio is now ready to take some of its innovative technologies, originally developed over the years for film, beyond the big screen. This joint venture cements the company’s first significant branch into the commercialization of VFX technologies outside the realm of media and entertainment. Specifically, the studio’s Oscar winning digital human technologies refined over decades of expertise and Hollywood film-making experience will be further refined and perfected to provide real-time services in hospitality and travel industry through expert guidance and collaboration with Plaza Premium Group.

– Mr. Song Hoi See (Founder & CEO of Plaza Premium Group): A visionary in global airport and travel hospitality, Mr. Song Hoi See brings unparalleled leadership and insight from his role as Founder and CEO of Plaza Premium Group. With over two decades experience in the industry, Mr. Song and his expert team in travel hospitality are based in Hong Kong and operates in over 80 airports with over 250 locations. They are not only the largest independently run pay-in lounge operation in the world but also white labeling for 13 other brands globally. Mr. Song brings not only his extensive knowledge in the travel and hospitality industry to the table, but also his vast network of connections for opportunities of digital human services to expand to, both within and in surrounding industries.

Revolutionizing Hospitality and Airport Services

The collaboration will establish new industry standards by combining cutting-edge real-time digital human technologies with traditional hospitality services in the areas of travel, hotels, tourism offices, duty-free and other concessions, call centers etc. Through enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency, the joint venture will aim to create a seamless combination of digital innovation and personalized service across all hospitality sectors.

Leadership and Innovation at the Helm

Mr. Song Hoi See’s involvement is a significant asset to the joint venture. His visionary leadership and extensive experience with Plaza Premium Group will guide the partnership toward achieving its goal of revolutionizing the hospitality and travel sectors around the world. Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain, stated, “Mr. Song Hoi See’s expertise will be key in identifying and executing upon industry leading opportunities with our technologies, but equally if not more importantly, Mr. Song’s values and passion are what I believe will be the foundation of this successful partnership and the success of this venture.”

In partnering with award winning VFX house, Digital Domain, Mr. Song Hoi See remarks, “Digital Domain, as a Hollywood based studio, is considered by many, to be a pioneer in Digital Human Technology. Through their proven experience and leadership in Digital Human Technology, we aim to leverage their experience in delivering an innovative, and immersive customer service in airports and hospitality sectors world-wide.”

Driven by shared commitment to excellence and innovation, this strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in the hospitality and airport services industry. The joint venture is dedicating itself to transforming customer experiences and setting new standards for service and efficiency.

Notably, today’s press conference featured a surprise appearance by the virtual Teresa Teng along side Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain. Their interaction leads to the introduction of a brand new proof of concept highlighting the potential of AI powered virtual human services for travelers to interact with in the near future.

Aligned with the theme “Next Stop, the Future“, the conference showed a glimpse of what an airport VIP lounge equipped with a virtual ambassador informational kiosk could be like for future travelers. Driven by artificial intelligence-related technologies, the virtual human kiosk provided essential assistance such as elaborating PPL lounge offerings, route navigation, and airport vicinity inquiries, all while adding a personable response to human-computer interaction in real-time situations.

Embracing the added value of AI in the tourism and travel service industry, Taoyuan City Government and Taoyuan International Airport also provided co-organizational support for this press conference. Mr. Chang San-Cheng, Mayor of Taoyuan City, emphasized: “Currently, Taoyuan Airport has developed an ecosystem spanning from production and manufacturing, data storage, and now to AI applications, beyond advancing AI services at Taoyuan Airport, this collaboration aims to enhance global awareness of Taoyuan International Airport using AI technology, for instance, using virtual technology to showcase local celebrities welcoming guests at the concierge desk or recreate famous Taiwan attractions at the airport, creating an immersive experience that leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation of Taiwan and Taoyuan International Airport, this initiative seeks to elevate Taoyuan International Airport’s global ranking.”

Digital Domain is refining its virtual human solutions for use in smart kiosks. The company plans to collaborate with local manufactures through cross-border licensing and remote technical support. This effort aims to promote and expand AI virtual human technology across various settings such as airports and hotels. Taoyuan International Airport is optimistic about the potential of integrating such technologies and supports the development and implementation. Mr. Yang Weifuu, Chairman of Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, stated: “Through the collaboration between Digital Domain and Plaza Premium Group, a new AI virtual assistant service has made its global debut at the Plaza Premium Lounge at Taoyuan International Airport. This innovation not only enhances the passenger experience but also marks a significant step toward Taoyuan Airport becoming a smart airport. I believe that with every new smart service that has been introduced it will progressively improve the user experience, making travel more convenient. Thank you to Digital Domain and our strategic partner Plaza Premium Group for selecting Taoyuan Airport for this launch and to everyone for their trust and support of Taoyuan International Airport. Let’s look forward together to the advanced travel experiences that AI virtual customer service will bring!”

Photos download and descriptions:
https://bit.ly/3RXmeDD

Photo 1: Digital Domain held “The Next Frontier in Travel” press
conference at Taoyuan International Airport. (From left) Mr. Chen
Libai, the Founder and Chairman of ADATA Technology Co., Ltd ;
Mr. Daniel Seah, Digital Domain CEO; Mr. Chang San-Cheng, Taoyuan
City Mayor; Virtual Human Teresa Teng; Mr. Song Hoi See, Plaza
Premium Group Founder and CEO; Mr. Yang Weifuu, Taoyuan International
Airport Corporation Ltd. Chairman; and Mr. Henry Hooi,
Digital Domain Senior Consultant.

Photo 2: Digital Domain held “The Next Frontier in Travel”
press conference at Taoyuan International Airport, where the
Virtual Human Teresa Teng made a surprise appearance and had
an engaging interaction with Mr. Daniel Seah, Digital Domain CEO.

Photo 3: Digital Domain held “The Next Frontier in Travel” press
conference at Taoyuan International Airport, where Mr. Daniel Seah,
Digital Domain CEO (left), demonstrated the AI virtual assistant
that will provide a series of smart services at the airport’s
VIP lounge.

Photo 4: Digital Domain held “The Next Frontier in Travel”
press conference at Taoyuan International Airport, where Mr. Daniel
Seah, Digital Domain CEO (left), and Mr. Song Hoi See, Plaza Premium
Group Founder and CEO (right), joined forces to reshape the passenger
experience using AI virtual human technology.

About Digital Domain

Digital Domain Holdings Limited (“Digital Domain”) is the pioneer of creating transportive experiences. Throughout the last 30 years, Digital Domain has grown to lead the visual effects industry, expanding globally the arm of virtual humans and visualization. Digital Domain’s rich legacy consists of hundreds of feature films and episodes, thousands of advertisements, game cinematics, and experimental immersive experiences. A creative force in cutting-edge technologies, Digital Domain has brought exceptional artistry to Academy Award-winning blockbusters of Titanic, What Dreams May Come, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Marvel Cinematic Universe titles crushed all-time worldwide box office, such as the Avengers franchise, and Stranger Things made a splash with Season IV.

As the first independent visual effects studio to successfully enter Greater China, Digital Domain has further paved the way towards virtual race since 2016. Leaning into technologies of artificial intelligence and virtual reality allows Digital Domain to create photorealistic and emotionally expressive virtual humans, all in real-time, as well as provides an advanced medium for human-computer and human-human interactions in diverse virtual scenarios.

Digital Domain is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock code: 547). Digital Domain has locations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing, Shanghai and Hyderabad.

Digital Domain official website – WWW.DIGITALDOMAIN.COM

About Plaza Premium Group as Strategic Partner

Plaza Premium Group, headquartered in Hong Kong and established in 1998, is a pioneering global airport hospitality services provider. With a mission to Make Travel Better, the group introduced the world’s first independent airport lounge concept.

Today, PPG operates the largest network of international airport lounges worldwide and offers a 360-degree airport experience with 13 brands under its portfolio, spanning over 1,600 touchpoints across more than 80 international airports and 30 countries & regions worldwide.

From airport lounge brands – Plaza Premium Lounge & Plaza Premium First, to terminal hotels – Aerotel & Refreshhh by Aerotel, to concierge services – ALLWAYS, a range of airport dining concepts, global reward and membership program – Smart Traveller, and travel experience ECOsystem – oneTECO, the group is at the forefront of transforming airport experience for the better through innovative and human-led solutions. PPG’s commitment extends beyond its own brands, as it also provides lounge management and hospitality solutions to leading airlines, alliances, and corporates worldwide. Partnerships include renowned names such as American Express, Capital One, Cathay Pacific Airways, SkyTeam, Star Alliance, Visa, and many more.

Plaza Premium Group has over 80 accolades demonstrating its exceptional achievements and commitment to service excellence. Notably, the group has received the prestigious “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” award at the World Airline Awards by Skytrax for eight consecutive years from 2016 to 2024. TTG Asia also recognized the group as the “Best Airport Lounge Operator” in 2018, 2019 and 2023. In 2020, it achieved the “ISO 9001:2015” certification for its Hong Kong Headquarters. Furthermore, the group’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Song Hoi-see, was awarded the “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Master Entrepreneur of the Year Malaysia” in 2018.

With a team of over 5,000 dedicated talents, PPG serves more than 20 million global passengers annually. Through a continuous pursuit of innovation and excellence, the group is experiencing exponential growth globally.

To learn more: https://www.plazapremiumgroup.com/

Connect with us: FB,IG,@plazapremiumlounge and WeChat @PlazaPremiumGroup

For more information, please contact:
Andico Tsui – andico.tsui@sprg.com.hk / +852 2114 4346 / +852 6902 3831
Cherry Lee – cherry.lee@sprg.com.hk / +852 2114 4958 / +852 6642 7948

AVIA Unveils Big Updates to Events for Second Half of 2024

SINGAPORE, July 1, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has made a series of significant changes to its line-up of conferences and seminars for the second half of 2024. Most notably the December OTT Summit will become an ‘advertising first’ event, making this the key video industry conference that examines and understands the evolution of the advertising ecosystem and its impact on broadcasting and streaming.

Korea in View (Seoul, 29 August):

Building on the success of the inaugural 2022 conference, Korea in View returns to explore the impact of Korean content on the Asian video landscape. This time it will be co-located with the annual content market and conference, BCWW, held and organised every year by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). BCWW runs from August 27-29 with Korea in View on the 29th at COEX in Seoul.

Vietnam in View (Ho Chi Minh City, 9 October):

With a population of 100 million people, a vibrant video ecosystem and a developing regulatory approach to the industry, Vietnam offers great potential and challenges. Vietnam in View, now happening on October 9, will delve into the latest developments in this highly competitive local video ecosystem and the opportunities and barriers for both international and domestic players.

Japan in View (Tokyo, 29 October):

Due to overwhelming industry interest, Japan in View has been rescheduled to October 29 as a full-day event. AVIA’s inaugural Japan-focused event will spotlight the robust video ecosystem, which, according to Media Partners Asia, generated $32 billion in revenue in 2023.

OTT Summit (Singapore, 5 December):

The OTT Summit 2024 has been designated “Advertising First”, meaning this event will engage with brands, agencies and buyers in a way designed to understand and promote the role premium video plays in today’s advertising landscape. In addition to conference sessions covering the evolution of ad buying from broadcast to streaming, the day will also feature a separate Upfront Showcase track where premium video publishers will present their content and buying opportunities to a room full of media planners, agency executives and advertising brands. Being advertising first, not advertising only, means there will still be room for a look at how OTT has evolved in 2024 from a content and technology point of view.

For more information and registration details, visit AVIA’s event page.

Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Office Wins Award in Fight Against Piracy at Interpol Conference

SINGAPORE, June 10, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and its anti-piracy arm, the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), join with the Indonesian Video Streaming Association (AVISI) in congratulating Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Office (Directorate General of Intellectual Property – DJKI) for receiving an award from Interpol and the South Korean National Police for their actions in working with Interpol, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, the Busan Police and the Indonesian National Police to arrest the Jakarta based operator of the pirate IPTV service known as TVDOL.

The arrest of the operator behind TVDOL in Jakarta in October 2023 followed a complaint by the Korean broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to Korean authorities of pirating of its content, including in Indonesia. Further investigations revealed the pirate operation was based in Jakarta, Indonesia, and involved a number of individuals, including the main operator Kim Dong Gil. The TVDOL operation had been run since 2010, and, according to the South Korean government, resulted in losses of more than USD11 million dollars.

“Piracy knows no borders and it’s vital that enforcement authorities in different countries work together to take action against pirate operators wherever they are based, and we commend Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Office for the outstanding work that resulted in the takedown of a pirate operation causing damage in multiple countries,” said Matt Cheetham, the General Manager of CAP. “It is very encouraging to see so many enforcement bodies in different countries working together to take action against pirates that are not only damaging the South Korean and Indonesian creative communities, but also placing consumers in both countries at risk from the harms such as viruses and ransomware that are well-known to be associated with pirate operations.”

Fachrul Prasodjo, Deputy Chair of Public Relations at AVISI, stated that efforts to enforce intellectual property law in Indonesia are not only a manifestation of the commitment to protect creative and innovative rights but also a strategic step in building a strong legal foundation and supporting the industry ecosystem. “AVISI congratulates DJKI on the award achieved. We greatly appreciate the strategic collaboration conducted by DJKI at the international level, which aligns with AVISI’s main vision and mission in fighting piracy. The success of this collaboration is a driving force for ecosystem growth from upstream to downstream in this industry,” said Prasodjo.

Click here for some photos from the conference.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

About AVISI

AVISI, or the Indonesian Video Streaming Association, is a non-profit organization focused on advancing and promoting the country’s creative-digital industry, as well as building an industry ecosystem that is friendly to video streaming business models. Founded on March 23, 2023, AVISI is a collective of thirteen video streaming platforms, namely BeIN, Bioskop Online, Cubmu, Genflix, KlikFilm, Max Stream, Mola, Netflix, Prime Video, Vidio, Vision+, VIU, and Catchplay+. To achieve its goals, AVISI focuses on three main functions: serving as a collaborative platform for its members, acting as a partner and communication bridge for stakeholders, government, and the industry, and as a collective effort by the video streaming platforms to fight piracy.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org |Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia |Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in an Evolving Satellite Landscape

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – As the satellite industry continues to evolve, challenges and opportunities abound. Industry leaders from the Asia-Pacific region and around the world gathered at the Asia Video Industry Association’s recent Satellite Industry Forum, held in Singapore on 28 May, to discuss the state of the industry, addressing critical questions and sharing insights on the path forward.

The emergence of NGSO systems presents both opportunities and threats to traditional GSO operators. In the opening keynote, Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, CEO, THAICOM, highlighted the need for adaptation and strategic partnerships to leverage respective strengths.

Despite challenges, the satellite broadband business remains relevant and lucrative. Suwansiri emphasized the importance of leveraging accumulated expertise and capital to invest in newer technologies and satellites, ensuring continued growth and relevance. “The fundamentals and know-how of doing the broadband business is still there and that is something that technology cannot replace,” said Suwansiri.

While Software-Defined High Throughput Satellites (SD HTS) hold promise for reducing investment risk and enabling new business models, concerns remain about expected capacity pricing reductions. Integration of smart satellite systems with ground systems and the utilization of AI were also highlighted as crucial for driving innovation and efficiency for THAICOM, added Suwansiri.

The ‘Asia-Pacific Satellite Leaders Roundtable’ also discussed the current state and future outlook of the satellite industry, with a focus on where the video industry is heading. Raymond Chow, Chief Commercial Officer, AsiaSat, emphasized their focus on providing end-to-end services and adapting to changing customer demands for global connectivity, with more vertical integration for a holistic view across the video business.

Kenichi Shimotsuma, GM, Asia Regional Headquarters & Regional Director, Singapore Branch, SKY Perfect JSAT, also recognized the evolving role of satellite broadcasting and the need to diversify into content delivery and connected TV services to meet changing consumer preferences.

Conversations around the future of linear video continued with ‘The Customers Talk’. Paul Mattear, Head of Global SatCom (A&S), Amazon Web Services, highlighted the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship between service providers and end-users. For Huang Baozhong, EVP, APT Satellite, maintaining a customer-centric approach is crucial for competitiveness. Trust in IP-based technology is also evolving, with AI playing a role in streamlining labour-intensive tasks, added Mark Wardle, VP, Engineering & Operations, Encompass Digital Media.

Pranav Roach, President of Hughes Network Systems India, offered insights into how the “Norms, Guidelines and Procedures” (NGP) document for the implementation of Indian Space Policy is facilitating easier navigation of regulations and processes, thus benefiting private players in the sector. A notable aspect highlighted by Roach is the significance of spectrum allocation for satellite broadband. The NGP streamlines the process, ensuring administrative allocation to facilitate private sector involvement. Roach emphasized that auctions would have been counterproductive in this context.

The introduction of the New Telecom Law in 2023 also further paved the way for spectrum allocation for satellite broadband. This legislative development clears regulatory hurdles, enabling smoother operations and growth opportunities for private players.

The importance of ground segment adaptation in response to changing requirements was also underscored at the conference. Panellists discussed post-pandemic shifts, emphasizing the need for adaptability and integration with IT systems, with the disruption that the launch of Starlink has brought. “Everyone needs to disrupt themselves and adapt. What is the multi-orbit proposition that we can provide to a particular user. . . how can we integrate better for greater value to the end user?” asked Alvaro Sanchez, CEO, Integrasys.

Conversations also centred around the space industry, following the tumult and volatility of 2023. Dara Panahy, Partner, Milbank LLP, highlighted the ongoing democratization of the commercial space industry, with the need for incumbents to evolve by either scaling up or vertically integrating to better serve customers. Identifying key areas such as mobility, government services, IoT, and earth observation as lucrative opportunities, he underscored the pivotal role of space in the larger economy.

The Satellite Industry Forum concluded with senior industry executives convening for a high-level discussion on the future trajectory of the satellite industry. Sanjay Duda, CEO, Planetcast Media Services, highlighted his focus on the role of satellite technology in delivering media services, particularly for the video industry. He emphasized the continued relevance of satellite in delivering linear channels, especially in underserved regions like India, while acknowledging the pressure on costs and the evolving landscape of mobility. Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President, APAC, Eutelsat OneWeb, also stressed the importance of working closely with regulators and industry bodies to ensure data security and protect sovereign interests, while Katherine Gizinski, CEO, River Advisers, reiterated the importance of regulatory considerations, particularly regarding spectrum and physical space access. She advocated for greater industry cooperation to address sustainability concerns and anticipated closer scrutiny from regulators as the industry continues to expand.

The Satellite Industry Forum is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors SKY Perfect JSAT and MEASAT Satellite Systems; Silver Sponsors Arianespace, AsiaSat, COMSYS, Eutelsat, Gilat Satellite Network, Hughes, Integrasys, Marsh, Milbank LLP, Northtelecom, Rivada Space Networks and Thaicom.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
charmaine@avia.org | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia | Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Kardome Partners with KT Corporation to Provide Voice AI Technology to IPTV Service Users

Tel Aviv, Israel–(ACN Newswire – May 29, 2024) – Kardome, a leading voice artificial intelligence (AI) technology startup, has announced a partnership with South Korea’s telecom giant, KT Corporation, to integrate its AI-based Spatial Hearing Technology solution into Genie TV, KT’s IPTV service. This collaboration will offer Genie TV users an advanced, seamless voice interaction experience.

KT has closely monitored user feedback on the voice AI feature integrated into multiple generations of Giga Genie devices. The company was seeking a solution to improve performance and satisfy demanding customers.

Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI technology is a unique and innovative solution that utilizes advanced acoustical modeling to identify a user’s voice and location precisely. It enhances speech recognition directly on edge devices in challenging, multispeaker environments.

Kardome’s voice technology is compatible with any voice-enabled platform or smart device.

The Genie TV provides audio/video-centric AI voice control and home assistant services through the TV. By integrating Kardome’s Spatial Hearing Solution into the Genie TV, users can benefit from a hassle-free voice command experience even in noisy, multi-speaker environments and deliver an immersive, engaging voice/audio experience.

Dani Cherkassky, Kardome’s co-founder and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with KT to provide the best-in-class voice user interface for the Genie TV. This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for us to explore new verticals in addition to the Genie TV, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

About Kardome:

Kardome is an Israeli-based voice technology startup. The company’s innovative location-based, noise-reduction Spatial Hearing technology gives clear, real-time voice command input and audio output in any environment. Kardome aims to solve end-user frustrations with speech recognition and voice command devices. More information about Kardome can be found at Kardome.com.

About KT Corporation:

KT Corporation is the largest integrated telecom and digital platform service provider based in South Korea. Principal services include mobile, Broadband, IPTV, B2B communications, and fixed-line telephony. The company has an industry-leading market presence in broadband, media services, and fixed-line telephony by maintaining the No.1 market share position. Also, the company is one of the most prominent players in B2B communications and offers a wide range of digital transformation services (IDC, Cloud, AI, etc.).

Contact:
Laura Tate
VP Marketing, Kardome
323-205-6436
laura.tate@kardome.com

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210675

InfoComm Asia 2024 “Asia’s International Pro AV Exhibition” Returns to Thailand

BANGKOK, May 10, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The 4th edition of InfoComm Asia—Asia’s International Pro AV Exhibition –returns to Bangkok with an estimated 180 exhibiting companies featuring 280 brands from over 15 countries, spread across 16,905 sqm in three halls signifying a 40% overall growth compared to the 2023 edition. Country representation includes Australia, China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and more including 74 first-time exhibitors, highlighting the show’s appeal to emerging players and start-ups alongside major global industry names. InfoComm Asia 2024 will take place 17-19th July 2024 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Registration is now open for all professionals and businesses looking to enhance their Pro AV experience and understanding.

InfoComm Asia – visitors watching product demonstration of latest digital signage technology

Solution-seekers ranging from corporate to governmental organizations, educational institutions to entertainment venues and service providers will experience first-hand the cutting-edge Pro AV technologies and solutions by familiar big names like Barco, Christie, Crestron, Jabra, Fujifilm, Leyard, Lumens Digital, Sennheiser, Shure and explore fresh technological capabilities by brands and organizations such as Asukanet (holographic display), Neat (smart meeting solutions), Philips (Advanced Colour ePaper display), Institute for Information Industry (digital signage) and more.

Visitors can discover a plethora of solutions including the latest in digital signage, to intelligent video conference systems, to artificial intelligence (AI) in LED virtual production, to naked eye 3D displays, smart classroom solutions, interactive immersive projection mapping and more.

More than just an exhibition, the 2024 InfoComm Asia Summit (held concurrently with the exposition) will feature 42 free-to-attend seminars. A glimpse of the exciting lineup of sessions includes a kick-off overview “Navigating The Future: Strategic Insights into the Pro-AV Asian Market in the Next 3-5 Years” led by AVIXA CEO Dave Labuskes, “The Future of Hybrid Events in Asia” exploring Pro AV application for live events, as well as industry-focused sessions dedicated to retail, hospitality, and education sectors like “Future Restaurants 2030”, “The Future of Hybrid Learning Environments”, which explores real-world strategies using AI, VR, and digital platforms for immersive experiences.

“Hosting leading Pro AV events globally in collaboration with AVIXA uniquely provides InfoComm Asia the connections and insights of emerging technologies and opportunities across the world,” said June Ko, InfoComm Asia Executive Director. “We are excited to bring all this knowledge and technology to Asia and Southeast Asia to further uplift the industries.

Finally, InfoComm Asia 2024 expands with exciting new offerings that includes a dedicated summit track covering the fast-growing Esports market in the “The Integration of Advanced Pro AV in Esports Arena”, plus specially curated Tech Tours ranging from introductory overviews for first-time visitors to specialized tours who those seeking industry-specific solutions for those in the Invited Guests program. Visitors can also participate in business match-making as well as other specially designed experiential events.

InfoComm Asia – visitors attending a specialized workshop conducted at one of participating exhibitor’s booth on the show floor

For full information including exhibitors, products, seminars, registration and last remaining sponsorship opportunities, visit infocomm-asia.com.

To access past edition show photos, press info, please go to Digital Press Office Kit

For more information, please contact:

Rest of the World
Angie Eng
InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd
angieeng@infocommasia.com

Thailand
Kanokwan Sukchaisri
kanokwan.infocommasia@expointer.net

Zhang Zhehan’s Directorial Debut Documentary ‘August’ Premiered Online, Receiving Rave Reviews From Audiences

Embark on a Journey of Resilience and Self-healing with Zhang Zhehan’s Inspirational Directorial Debut, ‘August’

Zhang Zhehan’s directorial debut documentary ‘August’ was officially released online with an IMDb rating of 9.8 and has risen to 10th place among IMDB’s most popular documentary films.
The lead single, “Can You Hear Me”, of the third album, will be released on May 8th.

BEIJING, CHINA, May 8, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Ranyi Music, an emerging music production and artist management company based in China, proudly announces the premiere of “August,” the first directorial effort by its distinguished artist, Zhang Zhehan. Launched on YouTube on April 14th, 2024, this compelling documentary showcases Zhang’s personal journey of self-healing following a tumultuous cyber media storm. Acclaimed for its profound impact, “August” has achieved an impressive IMDb rating of 9.8 and has risen to 10th among the most popular documentary films in IMDB.

In August 2021, Zhang Zhehan found himself caught up in an unprecedented storm. A massive wave of public opinion suddenly swept in, fueled by false information and malicious distortions on the internet, shattering his career and personal life. He chose to bravely face everything and embarked on a self-healing journey.

The documentary “August” was filmed for nearly 20 days, capturing Zhang’s cycling trip from Shangri-La to Lhasa. Along this journey, he encounters snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and herds of livestock, meets many ordinary, yet touching, faces, and listens to the pain and love within himself. He shares stories of the strangers he meets: a bar owner who accompanies himself with a lifelong passion for music, the growth and dreams of two basketball-loving brothers, the innkeeper’s tales of the hustle and bustle on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, and a ‘love at first sight’ kind of enchantment.

The documentary “August” has been highly praised after its release, not only covered by multiple media outlets but also achieving a high score of 9.8 on IMDb.

Zhang Zhehan: unveiling the evolving power of music

On May 8th, the lead single from his third album, “Can You Hear Me”, will be released. The singer takes a more daring and avant-garde approach to the composition, with the entire song built around the single line, “Can You Hear Me”, transcending the boundaries of language, the limits of time and space, forging a soulful connection between inner confession and the sounds of the outer world.

On May 10th, the second physical album “Datura” will be released. This July, Zhang Zhehan will also be going to Australia to hold his fan meeting.

Zhang Zhehan’s low point is now a thing of the past and his career is blooming again

In 2023, Zhang Zhehan released two albums, and his songs immediately dominated the charts on various global music platforms. In May of the same year, he held two “Primordial Theater” concerts in Bangkok, Thailand, kicking off his concert tour. He then performed in Malaysia and Singapore. In February 2024, Zhang Zhehan held a concert in Hong Kong, China, attracting nearly 10,000 spectators.

Zhang Zhehan’s musical talent is undeniable, and his popularity is evident. In Spotify’s rankings released last year, Zhang Zhehan achieved an impressive feat as the ninth most-streamed Chinese pop singer worldwide. He has consistently topped radio charts in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, and received invitations to participate in the year-end award.

That August is now a thing of the past, and we eagerly anticipate the next August, experiencing the profound meaning of a new, “August.”

For more information about Zhang Zhehan, please visit www.zhangzhehan.net.

Contact Information
Zhao Yao
Marketing Manager
ranyimusic@163.com
(86)17717423596

Related Images

SOURCE: Ranyi Music

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Future of Video in India Sees Much Optimism for Growth with Technology as the Enabler for the Consumer

MUMBAI, INDIA, Apr 30, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Future of Video India conference welcomed over 130 senior government and industry leaders in Mumbai for a day of discussions centered around one of the most vibrant and burgeoning video markets in the world.

Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), opened the conference with optimism about the industry. The MIB hopes to see the current $30bn industry grow to $100bn in the next 4-5 years. Both senior officials talked of the need to create a level playing field and balance the interests of the different sectors of the industry to encourage growth and investment.

For Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, Viacom18, technology was enabling as many Indians as possible to access content. “People are doing more with content than ever before. It’s not doing more content,” said Mani. With the IPL on both streaming and pay TV now, Viacom18 had democratized sports, which had gone from 100mn to 500mn screens, and with this move, they had also made sports a ‘lean forward’ experience by enabling the content to be watched over mobile devices and enabling a whole new level of engagement and interactivity with the content.

Similarly, Sajith Sivanandan, Head, Disney+ Hotstar, India, shared that ‘the best businesses happen at the intersection of people and technology… finding and operating in that intersection is the gold mine right there.’ However, serving the consumers remained critical for a consumer first company like Disney, and that was through telling great stories that were both relevant as well as personalized for the consumer, and serving the right content at the right point in time, added Sivanandan.

Beyond reaching and engaging consumers, content too had the power to influence and change perceptions, with Aparna Purohit, Head of Originals, India & SEA, Prime Video India, sharing during her session on ‘Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders’, that diversity was key to greenlighting any projects at Amazon Prime Video, and that there must be a woman in every writer’s room. Sanjog Gupta, Head – Sports, Disney Star, too shared that sports over the last 5 years had seen women more visible than ever before.

With Indian content more accessible than ever, India was becoming less exotic and more real in western minds, resulting in greater success and recognition, said Sai Abishek, Head of Factual & Lifestyle Cluster, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery. However, it was important to focus first on an Indian market and get an audience there, to build the chances of international success, added Rishi Negi, Group Chief Operating Officer, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India. But with many more stories to be mined, India was barely scratching the surface in its journey to making its mark globally, concluded Abishek.

Future of Video India is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Akamai and MEASAT.

Please click here for a selection of photos from the event.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia | Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

2024 CAP Consumer Survey Shows Increase in Piracy on Social Media and Messaging Platforms in Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, May 2, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) has published its 2024 annual piracy consumer survey, conducted by YouGov. Despite a decrease in piracy on pirate TV boxes, pirate apps and streaming or torrent websites, the survey shows an increase in the incidence of piracy across the region, climbing from 52% last year to 59% this year due to more piracy on social media and messaging platforms. Particularly concerning are the increases in the Philippines (12% yoy) and Vietnam (13% yoy), with both countries also now having the region’s highest incidences of piracy amongst their populations, at 70% and 71% respectively.

The dominance of social media and messaging platforms as the conduit to piracy not only remains, but has grown more severe, increasing by 14% across the region. Meanwhile, only 13% of consumers in the region now access pirated content through websites, and 11% by pirate TV boxes – both down from last year.

Awareness of the negative consequences of piracy (89%) remains extremely high across the region, with consumers being most aware of criminals profiting from pirate services, the risks of malware and the damage piracy causes to local industry being most prominent. And the impact of judicial or administrative orders requiring ISPs to block access to pirate sites is clear, with Indonesian (59%), Vietnamese (54%), Malaysian (42%) and Singaporean (28%) consumers saying they have either stopped entirely or rarely access pirate sites as a direct result of sites being blocked.

The survey shows a dramatic increase in the number of consumers in Asia-Pacific both searching for and accessing pirate content via social media or messaging services. CAP is continuing to work with the major platforms across the region to address this issue but remains concerned with the lack of response from some platforms, notably Telegram.

Matt Cheetham, General Manager of CAP, noted, “We are greatly encouraged by the continuing downward trend of consumers accessing pirate content from illegal websites, which reflects the work done over many years in the region by industry and governments. However, it is clear that social media and messaging platforms must do more to prevent their services being used to find and access pirate content.”

About the Survey

The survey was conducted online by YouGov between 1st to 7th February 2024. Research was conducted in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The sample size was 10,123 people across all 8 Markets.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

Wider Risks of Online Piracy in Singapore Continue to be Felt as Singapore Courts Order More Sites Blocked

SINGAPORE, Apr 15, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) welcomes the Singapore High Court’s latest order to block another 26 illegal streaming sites and more than 100 associated domains responsible for the distribution of illegally streamed content in Singapore.

The Court’s order follows on from a similar order obtained in Singapore by the Premier League in March and continues the push by the applicants BBC Studios, LaLiga, the Premier League and TVB International, that in recent years has seen the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites and hundreds more associated domains that were offering access to some of the most sought-after content including premium sports, drama and entertainment. The order is also part of a comprehensive campaign by CAP and its members against online piracy in the region.

“Blocking access to pirate sites also brings wide benefits, not least of which include protecting consumers from the demonstrable harm such as viruses, malware and data theft that many pirate sites are specifically designed for. Such pirate sites are honey pots, designed to attract consumers with offers of ‘free’ content when in fact the consumers are the products, targeted by the criminals running the sites for cyber scams and other cyber threats,” said CAP’s General Manager, Matt Cheetham. “A recent study by Cyberstronomy has highlighted these dangers in particular to Singapore consumers, in finding an average 48% chance of encountering a cyber threat on the top 25 pirate sports streaming sites in Singapore. Furthermore, there was a 3.5 times greater chance of consumers being scammed when visiting these sites compared to when visiting mainstream sites(1),” added Cheetham.

(1) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4709637

About the Asia Video Industry Association

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA