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Mobile Esports Takes Off Across Southeast Asia

Tencent, Newzoo white paper highlights new business models, career opportunities

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA / MANILA, PHILIPPINES / HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 29 July 2021 – Esports is taking off across Southeast Asia, leading to the emergence of innovative business models and new career opportunities in the region, according to a white paper co-developed by Tencent, the world leading internet company, and Newzoo, the leading provider of games and esports data and insights.

PUBG Mobile

According to the data from Newzoo, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for esports revenue in Southeast Asia is forecast at +20.8% from 2019 to 2024 and should reach US$72.5 million in 2024. The growth rate is nearly double the global CAGR of +11.1% for the sector.  

Games & Esports KV

 

The white paper, titled Games & Esports: Bona Fide Sports, also noted that, unlike the developed economies of North America and Western Europe, where esports has grown from a more-sophisticated IT infrastructure, Southeast Asia’s growth is fueled by a more-affordable mobile-first gaming preference. A 2021 consumer insight study conducted by Newzoo with respondents from Southeast Asia showed that a whopping 82% of the total online population in the region plays mobile games. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents are mobile-first gamers, spending the most time playing mobile games.

James Yang – Director of PUBG MOBILE, Global Esports, Tencent Games

 

At an industry roundtable hosted by Tencent and Newzoo, esports sector panelists agreed that the region will benefit from ongoing trends and developments in the games industry.

 

“We are seeing the rise of esports from being played via traditional PCs and consoles to mobile esports, and this is influenced by new developments in improved mobile hardware, cloud gaming and 5G networks,” said James Yang, Director of PUBG MOBILE Global Esports, Tencent Games.

 

Esports as an economic multiplier

Other panelists including game developer and publisher, Riot Games; one of the top esports organization in Indonesia, Bigetron Esports; Vietnam’s Recreation and eSports Association (VIRESA) as well as a member from Malaysia’s Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) described Southeast Asia as a dynamic region. Esports is having a positive economic impact there, with the emergence of creative business models and new career opportunities within the esports ecosystem.

 

“Esports is fast-growing and becoming an integral part of the local games market. By the end of 2021, it is expected that Southeast Asia will hit 42.5 million esports audiences. Newer esports organizations will be founded, tournament organizers will enter the market, including broadcast companies and specialized marketing agencies,” said Hugo Tristão, Head of Esports at Newzoo.

 

The widespread interest among the public about esports has also changed how content will be shared and consumed. For instance, the shift from publisher-owned tournament broadcasts to “watch parties” led by influencers will disrupt how media rights are awarded. This will also have a spillover effect in terms of how sponsorship marketing for esports evolves.

 

Positive momentum

Additionally, the growth of esports in Southeast Asia has spawned new career opportunities. Apart from players turning their passion into a professional career, there are now completely new jobs and job categories, including content creators, social media influencers, “shoutcasters”, managers and coaches thrown into the fray. Larger esports organizations even have a back office to support essential business operations, such as marketing and finance.

 

Esports is also gaining credibility and acknowledgement in academic circles. In Malaysia, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) offers skills-based esports certification programs. In Indonesia, esports is also shaping up as a viable professional career path for talent.

 

The inclusion of esports as a medal sport in the recent SEA Games 2019 underscores the significance and appeal of this industry in Southeast Asia. Mobile esports, especially, will experience significant growth in the coming years, supported by technological advancements, strategic investments aimed at sustaining the ecosystem and increased recognition as a real sport with talents, skills, competition, and entertainment.

 

The impact of the pandemic

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the esports industry in Southeast Asia has taken challenges in stride. Service providers, developers, publishers and event organizers have responded by investing in technologies to enhance gameplay and the competition environment for fair play, as well as online tournament experience for fans watching online.

 

Throughout 2020, PUBG MOBILE competitions racked up more than 200 million hours in viewership. Tencent’s Yang noted that more people watch gameplay and esports tournaments online, even if some of them do not play the game. He said he expects the new user fan base gained during the pandemic to be sustained when people return to their new normal routine. And roundtable participants said they believe hybrid events, which with both online and offline components, will likely become more common after the pandemic.

 

The white paper concluded that Southeast Asia’s uniquely mobile-first gaming preference means sector growth is poised to continue in the years to come, and mobile esports will be the mainstay of gaming in this region.

 

“Esports is a significant trend that few can ignore, and stakeholders from within the industry and outside of it will benefit by coming together to further develop and enhance the ecosystem. It’s no doubt a catalyst that will spur the growth of various relevant industries with innovations in the region and across the world,” said Yang.

 

The industry white paper is available for free download on https://tencent.blog/sea-esports

 

APPENDIX: Key Takeaways from the White Paper

 

1.  Covid-19 Pivots Shift in Game-Viewing Behavior

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated esports viewership and pushed all service providers, developers, publishers and event organizers in the esports industry to up their games and invest in technologies to enhance gameplay, competition environment, as well as online tournament experiences for fans watching online. It is expected that most of the additional engagements arising from this period will stick after the pandemic, and hybrid events will become more common.

 

2.  Southeast Asia’s First Screen – A “Mobile-First” Region

Younger population influences the shift to a ‘mobile first’ mentality where the region’s increasing online population and high smartphone penetration contribute significantly to the growth of mobile esports. As infrastructure and internet connectivity continue to improve, it will play a part to enable the growing gaming ecosystem in the region.

 

3.  Mobile Esports Contributes to Social and Economic Benefits

Esports is going mainstream in Southeast Asia with fast-rising recognition in recent years. In this digital era, esports provides opportunities for corporate sponsors to target demographics that may be difficult to reach through the traditional marketing channels. All said, the potential of the industry is tremendous. It is fast shaping up as a viable career path where talents train to be professional esports players while concurrently pursuing academic studies. Esports education is no longer conceptual, and proper accreditation for esports education is now being offered. Supportive policies from governments in the region will continue to provide the impetus for future growth.    

 

4.  Esports Offers Equal Access to Everyone

Esports is a more inclusive and diverse activity intent on offering equal opportunity to everyone pursuing a career in the sector. In addition to the economic benefits, a thriving esports industry also contributes toward the betterment of the society by uniting people from different backgrounds socially and demographically – society and social status, gender, race, age and physical ability. 

About Tencent

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world.

Founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, Tencent’s guiding principle is to use technology for good. Our communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even be entertained.

Tencent also publishes some of the world’s most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, enriching interactive entertainment experiences for people around the globe.

Tencent also offers a range of services such as cloud computing, advertising, FinTech, and other enterprise services to support our clients’ digital transformation and business growth.

Tencent has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.

#Tencent

About Newzoo

Newzoo is the world’s leading provider of games and esports data and insights. With over a decade of market expertise, Newzoo is proud to help some of the most successful entertainment, technology, and media companies around the world, such as EA, Bloomberg, PepsiCo, Vodafone, target their audience, track competitors, increase brand awareness, spot opportunities, and make strategic and financial decisions. Newzoo’s product portfolio includes the Global Games and Global Esports & Live Streaming Market Reports, proprietary Consumer Insights profiling consumer behavior and preferences in 33 key markets across the globe, Newzoo Pro, Expert, and Consulting. For any questions, get in touch at press@newzoo.com.

#Newzoo

OctaFX Celebrates Ten Years in Business

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 29 July 2021 – In 2021, global broker OctaFX celebrates its tenth anniversary. There is no denying that this Forex player is already a seasoned veteran and industry leader in many regions, successfully competing with both local and global companies.

 

Such a milestone in a company’s life is an excellent occasion to look back on its key achievements, so that’s what OctaFX has done, presenting us their ten significant results for ten years of operation. 

 

Here is what has been shared with the public:

  • 7.5 million Forex trading accounts opened;
  • 230,000 Trade and Win gifts delivered;
  • over 520,000 followers on social media
  • 43 Forex industry awards received
  • over 100 countries with happy OctaFX clients
  • 500 million trades executed on the platform since the beginning
  • more than 40 charity initiatives launched within Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy
  • 5,500,000 clients’ questions answered in person
  • 1,300 educational webinars on Finance, Investment, and Forex
  • more than 4,600 active IB partners from all over the world.

 

These numbers show not only the broker’s success but also the impact of its diversified activities on local communities, especially within the social dimension.

 

In the foreseeable future, we can expect the expansion of the global broker’s activities in many directions both on global and regional levels. 

 

OctaFX is a global broker that provides online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers a state-of-the-art trading experience to over 7 million trading accounts globally. OctaFX has won more than 40 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best ECN Broker 2020’ award from World Finance and more recently the 2021 ‘Best Forex Broker Asia’ award and the 2020 ‘Most Transparent Broker’ award from Global Banking & Finance Review and Forex Awards, respectively. The company is well-known for its social and charity activities.

 

#OctaFX

7-Eleven pledges to give 1,000 7-SELECT chicken legs every week for 40 consecutive weeks to help those in need in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 July 2021 – 7-Eleven has played an integral part in the daily lives of Hongkongers for 40 years. It launched its first store in Hong Kong back in 1981 and recently opened its 1000th store, four decades later, on Des Voeux Road in Central. A true neighbourhood brand, 7-Eleven has always been committed to giving back to the community it operates in. 7-Eleven has pledged to donate 1,000 7-SELECT chicken legs every week for 40 consecutive weeks. As a result, a grand total of 40,000 chicken legs will be distributed to those in need in partnership with Food Angel, a local NGO.

The 7-Eleven You + Me Volunteer Team distributes 7-SELECT Chicken Legs in person to the elderly


40,000 Chicken Legs to show love and care to over 10,000 recipients

At the height of the pandemic last year, 7-Eleven initiated several activities to help those most impacted by the outbreak. It donated and delivered 70,000 food items to local neighbourhoods and launched the Charity Meal Voucher Programme, which raised over 550,000 vouchers to provide hot meals to disadvantaged people and low-income families. Although the pandemic situation in Hong Kong is starting to stabilise this year, 7-Eleven remains committed to showing care and support to the most vulnerable in society as it marks its 40-year anniversary. A total of 40,000 Chicken Legs will be donated and distributed over a period of 40 weeks in partnership with Food Angel.

 

The donations will be delivered to recipients via Food Angel’s Community Centre, Community Food Assistance Service and Automated Food Dispenser Service – an innovative initiative that allows for the flexible collection of chilled meals. Food Angel will also distribute the donations across its 180 charity partners. The donation programme is expected to help over 10,000 recipients including the elderly, low-income families, people recovering from mental health problems, cage home residents and disabled people.

 

#7-Eleven

United States Provides USD 700,000 to Support Malaria Elimination in Laos

US provides funds to combat Malaria

The United States is providing funds through a grant to support malaria elimination in Laos.

RGE and Bank of Communications Jiangsu Branch Sign Agreement on First Foreign-owned Carbon Asset Custody in China

NANJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 29 July 2021 – Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) and Bank of Communications (BCM) Jiangsu Branch have entered into the Cooperation Agreement on Carbon Emission Trading Funds Custody in Nanjing.

Made three days after the launch of China’s national carbon emission trading market, the agreement is China’s first carbon asset custody business between a financial institution and a multinational corporation. The agreement will bring into full play the role of carbon emission trading as a bridge and engine between financial capital and the real economy.

 

The agreement is a strategic move by RGE in partnering the banking sector to facilitate China’s efforts to achieve carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Under the agreement, RGE will open a dedicated account for carbon emission trading settlement with BCM to handle all its carbon emission transactions in China. The account will be under the supervision and custody of BCM.

 

At the signing ceremony, Lin Bo, a top official of the Party Committee of BCM Jiangsu Branch, said that BCM remains committed to promoting the development of real economy through financial innovation. The custody agreement will further deepen the business relationship between both parties in fixed asset loans, cross-border supply chain financing and green finance. Moving forward, BCM will continue to leverage its advantages in international and integrated operations to enhance business support for RGE.

Since its entry into China, RGE has been focused on sustainable development and announced a target 30% reduction in carbon emissions in China by 2030, said Shu Langen, Vice President of RGE China. The cooperation will enable RGE to increase carbon asset management efficiency and achieve its emission reduction target. This marks a new strategic move by RGE to actively participate in carbon emission trading and help bolster China’s carbon peak and neutrality goals.

 

Since its entry into China in the 1990s, RGE has invested over RMB 60 billion (USD 9.3 billion) in Beijing, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Chongqing, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, and other provinces and cities. Its business groups Sateri (Fujian) Fiber Co., Ltd., Asia Symbol (Guangdong) Paper Co., Ltd., and East Asia Power (Xiamen) CCGT Power Plant have for many years been involved in the pilot carbon market of their respective provinces. Founded by Sukanto Tanoto, RGE manages a global group of companies in resource manufacturing.

 

Presently, the operations of Sateri, Asia Symbol, and Pacific Oil & Gas (PO&G) are included in the national carbon market. For instance, all of Sateri operations have completed carbon emission verification work and will participate in the national carbon market. Sateri established a carbon management committee to promote energy efficiency, while carbon emission rates have since continued to record declines every year. Sateri remains on track to achieve 30% carbon emission reduction by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

 

Industry experts have suggested that the signing of the cooperation agreement, following the launch of China’s national carbon emission trading market, and the offer of professional custody services by commercial banks can guide companies to play an exemplary role in carrying out carbon emission trading compliantly and efficiently, spurring the improvement of the national carbon market.

About RGE

RGE Pte Ltd manages a group of resource-based manufacturing companies with global operations. Our work ranges from the upstream, comprising sustainable resource development and harvesting, to downstream, where our companies create diverse value-added products for the global market. Our commitment to sustainable development underpins our operations, as we strive towards what is good for the community, good for the country, good for climate, good for customer, and good for company.

RGE was founded in 1973. The assets held by RGE companies today exceed US$20 billion. With more than 60,000 employees, we have operations in Indonesia, China, Brazil, Spain and Canada and continue to expand to engage newer markets and communities.

www.rgei.com

#RGE

Arlo Announces All New Unlimited Camera Plans, Simplifying Monitoring and Providing Added Value

Simplified Plans Include Enhancements to AI-Powered Notifications, And Ability to Add Additional Cameras at No Extra Cost

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 July 2021 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading smart home security brand, today announced its new AI-based subscription service plans with the introduction of Arlo Secure. The premium services boast support for unlimited household cameras with no additional cost per camera. This coupled with advanced AI object detection, smarter, more interactive notifications enable Arlo users to take quick action and maximise their security.

 

“The unveil of the Arlo Secure represent Arlo’s commitment to customer feedback and delivering complete peace of mind,” says Brad Little, Vice President & Managing Director – APAC. “Our users wanted easy-to-understand subscription options to help them protect their homes without calculating monthly subscription costs per camera, and we listened.”

 

Arlo Secure plans start at SGD $13.99 a month to support unlimited cameras in the home, with the option to service a singular camera for just SGD $4.49 a month.

Features of the Arlo Secure subscriptions include:

  • Unlimited Cameras – Users can enjoy Arlo Secure service for all cameras in their home with one all-encompassing plan. Add new Arlo cameras for no additional charge.
  • 2K (Arlo Secure) and 4K (Arlo Secure Plus on compatible 4K cameras) Cloud-based Video Recording – Customers can view 30 days of recordings on the secure Arlo cloud in their camera’s highest video resolution anytime on their phone, Amazon or Google smart display device.
  • Smart Interactive Notifications – Users can take quicker action by responding to rich notifications or viewing an animated preview of a notification video through the lock screen on their smartphone.
  • Advanced Object Detection – Visual artificial intelligence allows for better detection and differentiation of people, packages, vehicles and animals.
  • Smoke and CO Alarm Detection – Get notified when the camera hears a smoke or CO alarm triggered.
  • Cloud-based Activity Zones – Users can reduce unwanted notifications by highlighting areas on the property where they want motion to be detected.
  • Call a Friend – Customers can instantly call a friend through the Arlo App from their notification screen with one tap.
  • 24/7 Premium Support – Connect with Arlo’s technical support team whenever needed via phone, chat, or through the support center.

Starting July 22, Arlo hardware purchases will ship with a three-month free trial of Arlo Secure features.[1] For more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services, visit http://www.arlo.com/asia.



[1] Beginning July 21, 2021, Arlo Smart subscription plans will no longer be available for purchase. Instead, Arlo Secure plans will be available to Arlo customers.


About Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Arlo is the award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the way people experience the connected lifestyle. Arlo’s deep expertise in product design, wireless connectivity, cloud infrastructure and cutting-edge AI capabilities focuses on delivering a seamless, smart home experience for Arlo users that is easy to setup and interact with every day. The company’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. To date, Arlo has launched several categories of award-winning smart connected devices, including wire-free smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, audio and video doorbells, and a floodlight.

With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to supporting industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo does not monetize personal data. Arlo provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” “forecast” or other similar words are used to identify such forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements represent Arlo Technologies, Inc.’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events based on information available at the time such statements were made and include statements regarding Arlo cameras, Arlo video doorbells, Arlo Secure and future Arlo products. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the following: future demand for the Company’s products may be lower than anticipated; consumers may choose not to adopt the Company’s new product offerings or adopt competing products; and product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect Arlo and its business are detailed in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2020. Given these circumstances, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Arlo undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

#Arlo

43 Percent of Vientiane Capital Now Vaccinated Against Covid-19

Covid-19 update

Some 1,109,544 first dose vaccines have now been administered across the country, with 425,003 of these administered in Vientiane Capital, reaching nearly 43.8% of the city’s population.

Prime Minister Pledges Greater Support for Business

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh at the 13th Lao Business Forum
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh at the 13th Lao Business Forum (Photo: LNCCI)

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh spoke at the 13th Lao Business Forum, saying that the government is determined to engage with the private sector to resolve various challenges.