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The Fourth Generation Rises: How Singdata’s Lakehouse is Defining the General Incremental Compute Standard and Revolutionizing Data Processing Architecture

BEIJING, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The data processing landscape is experiencing a seismic shift. As enterprises grapple with exponentially growing data volumes and increasingly complex real-time requirements, traditional architectures are reaching their breaking point. Today, a new paradigm is emerging—one that promises to fundamentally reshape how we think about data processing efficiency, cost optimization, and architectural design.

At the forefront of this transformation stands Singdata, the pioneering force behind General Incremental Compute (GIC), a revolutionary approach that represents the fourth generation of data processing architecture. Far from being merely another Flink alternative, GIC introduces a paradigm shift that addresses the fundamental limitations plaguing modern data infrastructure.

The Flink Era: Hitting the Ceiling of Traditional Stream Processing

Apache Flink has undoubtedly been a cornerstone of real-time data processing, excelling in millisecond-latency scenarios like real-time dashboards, fraud detection, and programmatic advertising. However, as AI-driven applications proliferate and data volumes reach unprecedented scales, Flink’s architectural constraints have become increasingly apparent.

The most significant limitation lies in computational scope. While Flink dominates millisecond-response scenarios, the vast majority of enterprise use cases—user behavior analytics, business metric monitoring, and ML model observability—operate in minute-to-hour timeframes. For these scenarios, Flink’s continuous resource occupation model proves economically inefficient, creating an unsustainable cost structure that forces organizations into difficult trade-offs between real-time insights and operational expenses.


Data processing fragmentation compounds these challenges. Enterprises must maintain separate Flink and Spark infrastructures for stream and batch processing, respectively. This dual-engine approach introduces syntax incompatibilities, forces development teams to master multiple technology stacks, and creates consistency nightmares where identical metrics produce different results across systems. The operational overhead of maintaining these parallel architectures has become a significant barrier to digital transformation initiatives.

Development complexity further exacerbates the problem. Implementing sophisticated operations like dimension table joins, state management, and windowed computations in Flink requires extensive boilerplate code and deep understanding of internal mechanisms. Every business requirement change demands significant engineering effort, making agile data product development nearly impossible for most organizations.

Perhaps most critically, Flink’s resource utilization model reveals fundamental architectural flaws. Stream processing requires persistent resource allocation regardless of data flow volume, creating massive inefficiencies during low-traffic periods. As data volumes scale, resource consumption grows exponentially, forcing enterprises into an untenable choice between real-time capabilities and cost control.

Singdata’s Vision: Establishing Technical Authority in Incremental Computing

Recognizing these systemic limitations, Singdata has emerged as the definitive standard-setter in incremental computing, establishing both conceptual framework and technical implementation standards for the industry.

Since 2023, Singdata has pioneered the “incremental computing” concept, evolving it into the comprehensive “General Incremental Compute” framework by 2025. This progression represents more than incremental innovation—it constitutes a fundamental rethinking of data processing architecture that addresses the core inefficiencies of existing approaches.

Central to Singdata’s leadership is the SPOT standard—a comprehensive framework encompassing Standard SQL for unified syntax, Performance optimization for efficiency gains, Open Format compatibility with ecosystems like Apache Iceberg, and Trade-offs for flexible cost-performance balancing. This standard doesn’t merely solve current pain points; it establishes a roadmap for industry-wide architectural evolution.

Singdata’s strategic approach to ecosystem development demonstrates remarkable technical confidence. Rather than pursuing proprietary lock-in strategies, the company has embraced collaborative ecosystem development, accelerating technology adoption while reinforcing its position as the authoritative voice in incremental computing standards.

The Fourth Generation Advantage: Architectural Breakthrough

Singdata represents a generational leap in data processing architecture, delivering unprecedented capabilities that traditional Lambda architectures cannot match.

The core innovation lies in computational methodology. While Flink employs “continuous processing” requiring persistent resource allocation and batch systems use “full recalculation” with poor latency characteristics, incremental computing implements “compute-on-need” processing. This approach processes only data deltas, achieving minute-level freshness while eliminating persistent resource occupation—delivering cost efficiency improvements of several orders of magnitude.

Unified technology stack integration eliminates the architectural fragmentation that plagues traditional systems. Beyond supporting standard SQL syntax, incremental computing enables truly unified stream-batch development. Complex operations like real-time dimension joins and sophisticated queries execute through simple SQL statements, improving development efficiency by an order of magnitude.

Open format ecosystem compatibility breaks down vendor lock-in barriers. Built on Apache Iceberg and other open data lake formats, Singdata lakehouse architecture integrates seamlessly with existing AI data ecosystems. Organizations can leverage new capabilities without massive technology migrations, dramatically reducing adoption barriers.

Flexible scheduling capabilities provide unprecedented resource configuration freedom. Enterprises can adjust processing frequency from one minute to several hours based on business requirements, optimizing the balance between data freshness and computational costs—a flexibility impossible with traditional stream processing.

Redefining the Boundaries of Data Processing

Singdata’s innovation transcends Flink replacement, fundamentally redefining data processing paradigms and expanding the realm of what’s possible in real-time analytics.

The diversification of technical choices proves that real-time data processing no longer follows a single path. Organizations can now select optimal solutions based on specific latency requirements: millisecond scenarios continue leveraging stream processing, while minute and hour-scale scenarios benefit from incremental computing, with seamless transitions to daily batch processing when appropriate. This technological pathway diversity provides enterprises with unprecedented choice and flexibility.

In cost-efficiency optimization, incremental computing achieves what traditional technologies considered impossible—simultaneously delivering real-time capabilities, cost control, and high performance. This breakthrough unlocks real-time data processing benefits for organizations previously constrained by resource limitations, democratizing advanced analytics capabilities across enterprise segments.

The open ecosystem approach positions Singdata’s SPOT standard as the emerging industry benchmark. Major technology vendors are increasingly focusing on incremental computing, with companies like Alibaba and Tencent making significant investments in this space. This ecosystem convergence effect accelerates industry-wide migration toward fourth-generation data processing paradigms.

Leading the Revolution

The successful adoption by Rednote demonstrates real-world validation of GIC’s capabilities, proving that this isn’t merely theoretical advancement but practical transformation delivering measurable business value. As more organizations recognize the limitations of traditional architectures and seek sustainable paths to real-time analytics, incremental computing emerges as the definitive solution.

Singdata stands at the epicenter of this transformation, not merely as a technology provider but as the architect of an entirely new category. By establishing technical standards, fostering ecosystem development, and proving real-world viability, Singdata is reshaping the fundamental assumptions underlying modern data infrastructure.

The fourth generation of data processing has arrived, and it promises to be as transformative as the shift from batch to stream processing a decade ago. Organizations that recognize this paradigm shift and embrace incremental computing will find themselves with sustainable competitive advantages in the data-driven economy. Those that don’t risk being left behind by an industry moving inexorably toward more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible data processing architectures.

The revolution has begun, and Singdata is leading the charge.

Thailand First-Half Investment Applications Hit USD 32.5 billion on Soaring Data Center Sector, Significant Pledges in E&E and Infrastructure, BOI Says

BANGKOK, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Thailand Board of Investment today announced that applications for investment promotion in the first half of 2025 increased by 139% from the year earlier period to a record 1.06 trillion baht (ca. USD 32.5 billion) led by a 20-fold rise to 522.6 billion baht in digital sector pledges, as well as continued investment in the electrical and electronic appliance (E&E) sector, and rail infrastructure.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, announced that investment promotion applications for the first half of 2025 rose 139% year-on-year to a record 1.06 trillion baht (USD 32.5 billion), driven by a 20-fold increase in digital sector investments and continued growth in the E&E and rail infrastructure sectors.
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, announced that investment promotion applications for the first half of 2025 rose 139% year-on-year to a record 1.06 trillion baht (USD 32.5 billion), driven by a 20-fold increase in digital sector investments and continued growth in the E&E and rail infrastructure sectors.

The data center business alone attracted a combined investment value of 521.2 billion baht from 28 projects, as foreign and local tech companies continued to address the soaring demand for cloud services from hyperscalers. Over the past several months, global cloud service companies (hyperscalers) like Amazon Web Services and Google, as well as platforms such as TikTok, have announced plans to expand in Thailand and the region.  

In other segments of the digital sector, cloud services saw two applications worth a combined investment of 671 million baht, while 59 applications were filed for software and digital platform development projects, representing 669 million baht in combined investment.

“The applications during the past six months confirm that our strategy to focus on high-tech and high-value sectors is paying off,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI. “The overall increase in both number of projects and investment value reflects investors’ confidence in Thailand’s potential and good economic fundamentals. I believe this will allow for full year 2025 applications to exceed last year’s performance.”

The E&E sector came in second amongst target sectors, attracting 125.79 billion baht worth of applications, down 9% from the year earlier period, while the number of  projects was up 51% to 268, including investments in the manufacturing of battery cells and high-density batteries, supercapacitors, smart electrical appliances, smart electronics, and printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) using surface mount technology.

The automotive and parts sector accounted for 172 applications, up 27%, representing combined investments of 45.2 billion baht, up 14%. The agriculture and food processing sector accounted for 184 applications, up 25%, for a combined investment value of 30.79 billion baht, up 1%. Petrochemicals and chemicals came in fifth with 161 applications, up 63%, worth a combined 26.73 billion baht, up 16%.

The renewable energy sector saw a total of 191 applications in the first half, representing a combined 42.24 billion baht of investment, an increase of 4% from a year earlier.

Applications during the period also included Bangkok Expressway and Metro PCL’s 109.2 billion baht investment in the construction of the Orange Line which will connect Bangkok’s western and eastern suburbs, over a distance of 35.9 kilometers, facilitating travel in the city.

In the first half of 2025, there were a total of 1,880 applications for investment promotion, an increase of 38% from the same period of last year. In the first half of 2024, some 1,363 applications were filed, with an adjusted investment value of 443.66 billion baht, in which the digital sector accounted for only 25.1 billion baht.

The first half performance comes after a record 2024, during which Thailand’s total applications for investment promotion soared 35% in value to a 10-year high of 1.14 trillion baht, as the digital sector topped for the first time the sectoral rankings with a combined 243.3 billion baht in pledged investment, ahead of the E&E sector’s 231.7 billion baht.

FDI Projects Account for 70% of Applications in First Half 2025

From January to June 2025, there was a total of 1,369 foreign direct investment (FDI) applications, an increase of 59% from the year earlier period, which together represented a combined 737.57 billion baht in investment, up 132%, and representing as much as 70% of the total value of applications during the period.

Singapore was the largest source of FDI applications in terms of value, mainly due to projects in digital and E&E sectors, with a combined worth of 246.98 billion baht, accounting for 33% of all FDI pledges. The 248 applications by Singapore-based companies also topped the rankings in the digital sector, with a combined investment value of 186.74 billion baht in that industry.

Hong Kong followed with 218.64 billion baht worth of projects, accounting for 30% of FDI pledges. The 147 applications by Hong Kong-based entities were also mainly in the digital and E&E sectors.

China ranked third with 102.26 billion baht investment worth of applications, accounting for 14% of FDI pledges, from a total of 587 projects. Most projects are in the E&E sector and the petrochemical and chemical industry.

The United Kingdom came next with 16 applications worth a combined investment value of 93.73 billion baht, a 25-fold increase from the 3.68 billion filed during the year earlier period, mostly due to projects in the digital sector and the automotive and parts industry.

Japan completed the top 5 sources of FDI applications during the first half with a combined value of 49.82 billion baht from 186 projects, mostly in the automotive and parts industry and the E&E sector.

For more information, please contact:
Thailand Board of Investment
Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111
Website: www.boi.go.th
YouTube: Think Asia, Invest Thailand

AI-Driven Brokerage Longbridge Securities Wins Fintech Initiative Award at 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Longbridge Securities (Longbridge Singapore), an AI-driven online brokerage platform authorized and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has been awarded the Fintech Initiative Award at the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Fintech Awards. The award recognizes Longbridge’s innovation in financial technology and its success in redefining the investment experience through intelligent, accessible solutions.

Organized by Asian Banking & Finance, the ABF Fintech Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the financial services industry across the region. Longbridge was selected for its exceptional 2024 performance and the integration of advanced trading capabilities with an AI-powered digital ecosystem.

Empowering Investors with Growth and Accessibility

Longbridge Securities experienced rapid growth in 2024, recording a 450% surge in user assets and a 220% increase in active users across both Singapore and Hong Kong, underscoring the platform’s rising appeal and effectiveness in meeting investor needs. Longbridge’s dedication to providing 0 commission trading* has significantly lowered the barriers to investing—saving clients over USD 20 million in trading fees in 2024 alone.

In Singapore, Longbridge remains the only brokerage currently offering zero-fee trading across the US, Hong Kong, and Singapore markets, reinforcing its commitment to making investing more inclusive, transparent, and cost-efficient.

Driving Innovation for the Global Investor

Longbridge’s product roadmap is shaped by the needs of global investors. With just one account, users can access over 32,000 financial products—including stocks, ETFs, and US options. Within 2024 alone, the platform rolled out over 120 new features, fine-tuned 40+ functions, and issued 17 major app upgrades—demonstrating its agility and responsiveness under a cloud-native architecture.

To further expand accessibility, Longbridge introduced overnight trading and fractional share investing, enabling users to trade beyond traditional hours and invest in US equities with as little as USD1. For experienced traders, the LongPort desktop terminal offers Chart Trading and Grid Trading, delivering enhanced execution control and supporting strategy-based workflows via interactive chart interfaces.

AI-Powered Assistance for Smarter Investing

A frontrunner in the application of artificial intelligence in finance, Longbridge introduced PortAI, an AI-powered financial assistant designed to help users better navigate market information and portfolio insights. In 2024, PortAI saw over 1 million user interactions, making it one of the platform’s most utilized features.

Expanding on this momentum, Longbridge integrated AI into its OpenAPI services tailored for advanced users. Tools like the Model Context Protocol (MCP) enable investors to place trades via natural language commands, while Large Language Models (LLMs) Text allows users with coding expertise to generate AI-assisted trading strategies. These innovations exemplify Longbridge’s ongoing investment in empowering users with next-generation fintech infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Longbridge remains focused on product innovation and user-centric service enhancements. “Technology has the power to democratise investing,” said Xu Shengyu, CEO of Longbridge Securities. “We are committed to building a truly investor-first platform, and remain confident in the long-term potential of Singapore and global capital markets.”

About Longbridge Singapore

Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. (“Longbridge Singapore”) is a licensed entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) under Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS101211. It holds a capital markets services licence for dealing in capital markets products, including securities, units in a collective investment scheme, and exchange-traded derivative contracts, and is also an exempt financial adviser. Longbridge Singapore (https://longbridge.com/sg/) is dedicated to driving financial technology innovation, enabling individuals to benefit from lower barriers to entry and reduced costs, thereby enhancing the overall global investment experience.

Important Notice

LongPort MCP and LLMs Text are AI tools designed to assist with market analysis and trading execution based on user instructions. They do not constitute investment advice, recommendations, or solicitations. Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. (“Longbridge Singapore“, Co. Reg. No. 202111825D) provides execution-only services. This content is for general information only and does not consider your investment objectives or financial situation. You should exercise independent judgment and consult a financial adviser if in doubt. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Market conditions may affect the execution or performance of trading strategies. No warranty is given on the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please refer to our website for full terms and conditions. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

*Other fees apply.

SimCorp will assist AXA in enhancing portfolio monitoring and financial risk management

Highlights: 

  • With the award-winning SimCorp One platform, which includes SimCorp Managed Business Services and the Axioma analytics suite, AXA will benefit from more efficient and interconnected processes.
  • SimCorp chosen for deep industry expertise and integrated capabilities across the full investment lifecycle for public and private market asset classes.

PARIS, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SimCorp, a leading global financial technology company, today announced that AXA will implement the award-winning1 SimCorp One platform alongside SimCorp Managed Business Services to improve portfolio monitoring and strengthen financial risks management.

SimCorp
SimCorp

By adopting SimCorp One, AXA’s investment and risk management teams will benefit from a real-time, consolidated view of positions across all entities in the group.  This helps eliminate operational friction and enables seamless investment monitoring — supporting AXA’s investment requirements of its global insurance business with speed and scale.

“By partnering with SimCorp for both technology and business services, we’re not just implementing a platform – we will transform how we operate,” said Jean-Baptiste Tricot, Group Chief Investment Officer, AXA. “SimCorp’s comprehensive approach delivers multiple strategic advantages: it simplifies our technology stack with a single, integrated platform, while SimCorp’s Business Services will allow us to focus our teams on activities that deliver greater value to our clients. SimCorp’s technology leadership and insurance expertise give us confidence that the platform will scale with our evolving needs.”

SimCorp One addresses critical challenges facing the insurance industry, including increasing regulatory complexity, the need for operational efficiency, and demand for integrated technology solutions that support both public and private market investment strategies.

By selecting SimCorp One, AXA gains access to continuous platform innovation, comprehensive data management capabilities, and specialized insurance industry expertise that will support the organization’s evolving investment requirements across its global operations.

The platform’s unified data model addresses the critical need to balance portfolio management with accounting standards, ensuring consistent risk and investment oversight while supporting compliance with regulatory requirements.

SimCorp’s Axioma analytics suite for advanced risk management, embedded in the SimCorp One offer, enables insurers to better manage and optimize portfolio risk exposures.

“We are honored that AXA has chosen us to help transform their global investment operations,” said Ralf Schmücker, Senior Managing Director, EMEA, SimCorp. “AXA’s decision reinforces SimCorp’s position as the preferred partner for insurers seeking to optimize their investment operations while maintaining the highest standards of investment monitoring and risk management. By offering the market’s only solution that integrates a front-to-back, multi-asset class system built on a unified data structure, we are well-positioned to tackle these challenges and enable a total portfolio approach.”

AXA will utilize SimCorp Managed Business Services for Data Management and Investment Operations. These services will provide timely market and reference data to all platform users and provide comprehensive asset servicing across all AXA assets.  

Discover how SimCorp One can help modernize your organization’s investment operations, data management, and portfolio management. Visit www.Simcorp.com.

About SimCorp 

SimCorp is a provider of industry-leading integrated investment management solutions for the global buy side.  

Founded in 1971, with more than 3,500 employees across five continents, SimCorp is a truly global technology leader that empowers more than half of the world’s top 100 financial companies through its integrated platform, services, and partner ecosystem.  

SimCorp is a subsidiary of Deutsche Börse Group. As of 2024, SimCorp includes Axioma, the leading provider of risk management and portfolio optimization solutions for the global buy side.  
 
For more information, see www.simcorp.com.  

About AXA Group

The AXA Group is a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 154,000 employees serving more than 95 million clients in 50 countries. In 2024, IFRS17 revenues amounted to Euro 110.3 billion and IFRS17 underlying earnings to Euro 8.1 billion.

The AXA ordinary share is listed on compartment A of Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol CS (ISN FR 0000120628 – Bloomberg: CS FP – Reuters: AXAF.PA). AXA’s American Depository Share is also quoted on the OTC QX platform under the ticker symbol AXAHY.

The AXA Group is included in the main international SRI indexes, such as Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and FTSE4GOOD.

It is a founding member of the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment.

Media Contact: Sean B. Pasternak, Global Communications, SimCorp, +1-647-975-7326, sean.pasternak@simcorp.com

 

ASEAN media workshop explores AI transformation

HONG KONG, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Chinadailyhk.com:

Participants pose for a group photo during the completion ceremony of the ASEAN Media Capacity Building Workshop in Hong Kong SAR, China, on July 18.(Edmond Tang/ China Daily)
Participants pose for a group photo during the completion ceremony of the ASEAN Media Capacity Building Workshop in Hong Kong SAR, China, on July 18.(Edmond Tang/ China Daily)

The artificial-intelligence revolution is transforming industries worldwide, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges for media transformation.

To address these critical issues, the ASEAN Media Capacity Building Workshop was successfully held in Hong Kong from July 14 through Saturday, gathering over 20 senior media professionals from within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to explore effective strategies for navigating the AI era and its profound implications for media development.

Participants examined AI’s dual impact on media during the workshop. While AI significantly enhances reporting efficiency, an overreliance on AI may lead to serious factual errors in journalism, tutors from China Daily highlighted at the workshop courses. Reporters need to leverage the strengths of AI, such as its ability to detect spelling and grammatical errors, rather than allowing it to take control of everything during reporting, the tutors said.

Doan Minh Anh, a reporter at VietnamPlus of the Vietnam News Agency, said at the workshop that journalists must always maintain confidence in themselves, as they are the true storytellers. Journalists should make good use of AI, rather than let AI control reporters, she added.

Another key insight is that understanding audience preferences is also crucial for media transformation. Zhong Zhen, managing director from Xiaohongshu’s Greater Bay Area E-commerce Operating Center, stressed the importance of knowing more about the needs of users and creating content with a human touch.

“Content needs to resonate emotionally with users. This is the secret to Xiaohongshu’s popularity,” Zhong said.

During the workshop, reporters and journalists from various ASEAN countries had discussions about the future of traditional media, especially in the context of key opinion leaders. Justin Clarence Lao Tembresa, CEO of Lannang Studios, a media company in the Philippines, emphasized the need for traditional media to enhance the quality of its content to remain relevant in today’s digital age. The key is combining traditional media’s strengths with new technologies while maintaining content warmth, he added.

Participants in the workshop also engaged in an in-depth discussion about photography equipment, mobile shooting, and script design under the guidance of their instructors. Tutors from China Daily provided a detailed demonstration of various shooting devices, including pocket cameras, drones, and action cameras, while explaining composition and framing techniques.

The journalists from ASEAN countries showed great curiosity about mobile photography accessories, continuing their enthusiastic discussions about the equipment even after the session ended.

Reporters and journalists visited multiple sites in Hong Kong, including Cyberport, and the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These visits provided the media professionals with comprehensive insights into Hong Kong’s technological advancements, legislative framework, and media landscape.

Participants also visited notable sites in Shenzhen, including the Shenzhen Nanshan Energy Ecological Park, which showcases China’s commitment to green economic development.

Soo Wern Jun, a senior journalist from the Malay Mail newspaper of Kuala Lumpur, said the park is a model of energy conservation and environmental responsibility. She said she hopes to bring back the lessons learned at the conference back to Malaysia.

The event is jointly organized by the Chinese Mission to ASEAN and China Daily.

Global entertainment and media industry revenues to hit US$3.5 trillion by 2029, driven by advertising, live events, and video games: PwC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook

  • Advertising spend forecasted to grow three times as fast (6.1%) as E&M consumer spending (2%) – as AI set to transform advertising models and drive hyper-personalisation
  • Non-digital categories – such as live music, cinema and events – continues to lead consumer sector revenue, accounting for 61% of sector spending in 2024
  • Global cinema revenue expected to rise from $33 billion in 2024 to $42 billion in 2029, as international audiences continue to spend more on locally produced films
  • Global video games revenue forecast to grow from $224 billion in 2024 to $300 billion in 2029 – exceeding movie and music industry revenues combined

LONDON, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global entertainment & media (E&M) industry edged towards US$3 trillion in revenue in 2024 and is forecast to hit $3.5 trillion in 2029 as advertising spend surges across platforms, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025-29, released today.

 

The E&M industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% until 2029 – a rate above the projected global economic growth average, but below pre-pandemic highs. Economic uncertainty and anaemic consumer spending growth, amid heightened domestic and international competition in the industry, is expected to weigh on E&M growth rates through the forecast period until 2029.

Bart Spiegel, Global Entertainment and Media Leader, PwC US, said:

“As the E&M industry continues to be impacted by broader economic uncertainty and constrained consumer spending, advertising is emerging as the leading powerhouse of the global entertainment and media industry’s revenues – a transformation expected to continue as AI transforms delivery models, democratises content production, serves highly curated content experiences, and reduces barriers to entry. The E&M industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, but companies will need to remain nimble and proactive to embrace the future and satisfy consumers in an ecosystem that rewards creativity and tailored content.”

Advertising to serve as industry engine for revenue growth as AI transforms advertising models

As growth for paid or subscription products slows amid heightened industry competition and constrained consumer spending – particularly in mature markets – advertising is forecast to represent a significant driver of revenue growth for the E&M industry at-large.

Of the three major E&M categories analysed (connectivity, advertising, consumer), advertising is expected to grow fastest – three times as fast (6.1% CAGR) as the consumer category (2%).

The fastest growing E&M revenue metrics over the next five years are all advertising driven – including retail advertising (15%), social and mobile on-stream video advertising (15%), and connected TV in-stream internet advertising (14%). Digital formats, which account for 72% of overall ad revenue in 2024, will rise to 80% in 2029, with new technologies including AI and hyper-personalisation expected to drive this even further. High growth areas include retail search advertising in e-shopping (rising from 32.7% in 2020 to 45.5% in 2029) and advertising in video games (rising from 32.8% in 2024 to 38.5% in 2029).

AI is impacting the E&M industry in many ways. One of the areas in which it is likely to influence revenue growth is in connected TV (any television that connects to the internet to stream video content). In 2020, connected TV advertising revenue equated to just 5.9% of total traditional broadcast TV advertising. In 2024, this figure had jumped to 22%. But with the rise of digital engagement and the prospect of AI-assisted hyper-personalisation, which may lead to greater end-user uptake, connected TV ad revenues will rise to $51 billion in 2029 – equal to 45% of traditional broadcast TV advertising.  

For now, connectivity remains the largest category, with spending reaching $1.3 trillion in 2029, growing at CAGR of 2.8% and driven mainly by mobile internet service revenue. However, advertising’s pronounced growth rates are set to see the gulf between connectivity and advertising spend rapidly narrow by 2029.

Non-digital revenue – including live music, events and cinema box office – lead consumer spending

Consumers may spend more of their free time online, but they continue to spend more of their entertainment budget offline. In 2024, non-digital formats accounted for 61% of consumer revenue – a level of spend expected to broadly continue through the forecast period.

While global cinema box office spending is expected to rise from $33 billion in 2024 to $41.5 billion in 2029, consumers’ preferences are continuing to shift toward locally produced films. Globally, the top five US studios’ market share has dropped from over 60% before the pandemic to 51% in 2024.

Video gaming remains an industry bright spot

The global video gaming industry continues to be an engine of E&M growth, with the global video games market exceeding the movie and music industry combined. Total revenues were $224 billion in 2024, with the industry expected to grow to nearly $300 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 5.7%.

Developing markets continue to lead E&M industry growth rates 

Excluding connectivity revenues (e.g., mobile service subscriptions), the US comfortably leads as the world’s largest E&M market by revenue. It is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% until 2029 – lagging below the global average of 4.2%. Looking elsewhere, E&M revenues in China – the second largest market – will rise at a CAGR of 6.1%, powered primarily by its internet advertising segment, with a CAGR or 8.9%. The fastest growing markets globally continue to be in developing markets, including India and Indonesia, all with CAGRs above 7.5%. In India, much of the growth will stem from internet advertising – which is growing at a CAGR of 15.9% – driven by expanding internet penetration, rising 5G connectivity, and the popularity of social media and short-form video content. 

Wilson Chow, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Leader, PwC China, said:

“Consumers have never had as numerous or diverse choices of entertainment services on offer, but this competition, paired with economic uncertainty and rising costs, is seeing consumer spend growth stagnate. If entertainment and media businesses are to capture new audiences and generate growth, they must be thinking about the connected ecosystems in which they operate, leveraging the power of advertising and AI, the combination of which is allowing for far more cost-effective and personalised content creation and engagement models.”

Notes to Editors

About the PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025-2029

The PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook is an annual report covering the industry. A total of 54 countries and territories, spread across North America, Western Europe, Central Europe, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific, are represented within the Outlook. The ‘Rest of MENA’ grouping is treated as a territory and comprises Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman and Qatar. This year, it expands its coverage with the inclusion of Mauritius and Oceania as a reported region. These 54 territories account for around 74% of the global population, and the sum of all territories generates the ‘total’ estimate. The forecasting process begins with the collection of accurate and comprehensive historical data from publicly available sources such as trade associations and government agencies, which are cited when used directly. To supplement this, proprietary insights are gathered through interviews with industry associations, regulators, and leading market players. This combination of public and private data ensures a robust foundation for building forecasts.

About PwC 

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com.

EngineAI Raises Nearly RMB 1 Billion in Pre-A++ and A1 Rounds, Led by JD.com

SHENZHEN, China, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After securing investments earlier this year from leading Middle Eastern and South Korean investors, EngineAI has successfully concluded its Pre-A++ and A1 funding rounds. The Pre-A++ round was led by XPeng-backed Rockets Capital, while JD.com spearheaded the A1 round with participation from strategic investors CATL Capital (affiliated with CATL) and Yintai Group, as well as institutional investors TH Capital, Guochen Venture Capital (Fortune Capital affiliate), and Huangpu River Capital. Existing shareholders also joined the two rounds. The strong investor confidence allows EngineAI to enter into mass production, further diversify product lines, and achieve breakthroughs in the real-world deployment of embodied intelligence and related technologies.


A rising star in humanoid robotics, EngineAI drives innovation through cutting-edge technology, delivering intelligent, hyper-agile robots. Its proprietary joint modules set industry benchmarks for explosive power, torque, and rotational speed, enabling lifelike motion. By solving Sim2Real challenges, the company has carved out a unique tech advantage, achieving millimeter precision in high-dynamic maneuvers like complex dances, front flip, and sprinting.

The global humanoid robotics market is forecast to exceed $100 billion by 2030, driven by strong enterprise demand across manufacturing, services, and logistics. EngineAI’s “open-source hardware + ecosystem profit-sharing” model accelerates market penetration through strategic partnerships, enabling rapid application diversification and developer engagement. To overcome embodied intelligence hurdles, the company merges traditional control systems with reinforcement learning, boosting efficiency, precision, and reliability. This dual approach not only truly meets market demands but also gradually penetrates into consumer households, forming a unique commercial ecosystem.

The newly secured capital will enable rapid advancement of EngineAI’s core initiatives in H2 2025:

  • Product Development: EngineAI has built a comprehensive product matrix spanning bipedal and full humanoid robots across performance tiers. The company is now scaling trial production and delivery, targeting a 5x expansion of its production team to meet surging demand.
  • Technology Leadership: Embodied intelligence R&D will see intensified investment to fast-track core technology commercialization, solidifying EngineAI’s global market position.

EngineAI has established strategic collaborations with industry giants including NVIDIA, Amazon, JD.com, Tencent, and ByteDance to advance humanoid robotics applications across commercial services, hazardous operations, and cultural tourism. These partnerships are accelerating the path to large-scale commercial adoption.


With production accelerating and certain production segments already exceeding capacity targets, EngineAI is on track to complete optimization upgrades ahead of Q4 2025.  This expansion ensures reliable delivery of advanced robotic solutions, positioning the company for successful mass-market penetration.

EngineAI is expanding its workforce across critical R&D, production, and market expansion roles. The company is simultaneously enhancing its internal training programs to develop employees’ technical and leadership capabilities, building a sustainable talent engine for continuous innovation.

Looking ahead, EngineAI will intensify efforts in mass production, product diversification, and embodied AI implementation, contributing core strengths to the high-quality development of the humanoid robotics industry.

For more information about EngineAI, please visit https://www.engineai.com.cn/.

CONTACT:
Zibin Cen
cenzb@engineai.com.cn

A LAGOON OF DISCOVERY: FAMILY ESCAPES AT THE LAGUNA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, NUSA DUA, BALI

BALI, Indonesia, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Framed by lush tropical gardens and the pristine coastline of Nusa Dua, The Laguna Bali, invites families to discover an inspiring blend of adventure, culture, and timeless coastal elegance. Set within one of the island’s most captivating destinations, this Bali luxury resort offers curated experiences that are as meaningful as they are memorable, whether for first-time explorers or returning guests seeking new depths of connection.

Make a splash straight from your room at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali. Unwind and reconnect with your loved ones in our family-friendly Lagoon Access Suites, where every moment leads to the pool.
Make a splash straight from your room at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bali. Unwind and reconnect with your loved ones in our family-friendly Lagoon Access Suites, where every moment leads to the pool.

Bali has a unique way of bringing families closer. At The Laguna Bali, we aim to make every moment feel warm and meaningful—where children, parents, and grandparents can share quality time together while deepening their appreciation for local culture through our Indigenous Bali program. This is the kind of experience we strive to share with every guest,” says Lucia Liu, General Manager, The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali.

Where Every Generation Discovers Bali

Designed for multigenerational travelers and young adventurers alike, the resort’s signature experiences draw inspiration from the Indigenous Bali series. This celebration of local traditions is thoughtfully woven into immersive family activities, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with the island’s rich cultural heritage. Children and adults alike can try their hand at the sacred art of Lontar inscription, learn traditional cooking techniques during the Epicurean Journey and begin the day with a guided visit to the vibrant Kedonganan fish market.

On the property, families can enjoy active moments together with beach volleyball, explore nearby coastal paths on bicycles, or take a leisurely stroll to the dramatic Water Blow site. These enriching activities help highlight why Nusa Dua remains one of the most beloved places to visit in Indonesia for luxury-minded travelers seeking authentic island experiences.

Seven Sparkling Lagoons, Countless Memories

The heart of the resort lies in its seven shimmering lagoons, each offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and connection. From the expansive saltwater pool to the dedicated children’s area designed for carefree splashing, these aquatic sanctuaries offer something for every member of the family.

For guests seeking a deeper connection with their surroundings, the Lagoon Access Rooms offer a truly unique experience. These thoughtfully appointed accommodations, available in Deluxe Lagoon Access, Studio Lagoon Access, and Lagoon Access Suite categories, allow guests to step directly from their private terrace into the inviting waters of the lagoon. This effortless access adds a sense of play and discovery to every moment, creating joyful memories that linger long after the journey ends.

A Stay Designed Around Togetherness

Whether traveling with young children or gathering with loved ones across generations, each guestroom and suite is designed with flexibility, comfort, and family in mind. The Lagoon Access Rooms in particular provide an added layer of spontaneity and delight, blending indoor elegance with the gentle rhythm of outdoor living.

From cultural enrichment to water-bound fun, The Laguna Bali redefines the Bali vacation with a spirit of timeless discovery, an illuminating retreat in one of the most iconic Nusa Dua resort Bali destinations.

For more information, visit www.thelagunabali.com.