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Bangkok announced as Host City of the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026
The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will take place on 14 November 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the arrival of the world’s most iconic music competition in Asia.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation together with Thailand’s S2O Productions and Channel 3 today announced the debut of Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026, with Bangkok selected as the Host City for its inaugural edition, bringing together ten countries across Asia.
South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are confirmed alongside Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with more countries expected to join as the competition expands.
Bringing the world’s largest live TV event to Asia, Eurovision Song Contest is now opening a new chapter shaped by the region’s diversity, creativity and cultural identity, and grounded in the same spirit that has always defined the contest: United by Music.
ZOOP is the revolutionary new social media platform launching globally on 9th of April with a dedicated channel covering the new Eurovision Song Contest Asia. ZOOP will place the audience at the centre of the action, driving participation, community and interaction, with cutting-edge technology behind the experience.
Evolving Eurovision Song Contest with Asia
For seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought countries together through music, storytelling and live television, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions every year.
Now, in collaboration with leading broadcasters and production companies across Asia, Eurovision Song Contest Asia will build on that legacy, creating a new shared stage where cultures meet, voices are amplified, and creative communities connect across borders.
Rooted in the same spirit that has defined Eurovision Song Contest for generations, the contest carries forward a simple but powerful idea, connecting people through music and shared experiences. In Asia, that idea will take on new meaning, shaped by the region’s extraordinary diversity and creative energy.
Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent.
This is about evolving the show together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”
Shaping the Future of Eurovision Song Contest in Asia
Designed to grow with the region, the format brings together countries representing more than 600 million people. With no comparable pan-Asian platform today, it is set to become one of the region’s most talked-about entertainment events.
Powered by exclusive social partner ZOOP, the contest will introduce a fan participation platform where audiences do more than watch. ZOOP gives fans new ways to engage with artists, join communities, and be recognised and rewarded for real participation, while helping create a more direct and meaningful connection between talent and audience.
Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation, the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia said:
“From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy.
Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life.
To bring this incredible show to a new continent is something very special. I look forward to millions of people in Asia watching the competition and singing in front of the TV, dancing to the performances and predicting the outcome.”
Bangkok: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Bangkok is a city where tradition and modern expression coexist seamlessly, it offers a natural home for a contest built on diversity and exchange, connecting artists and audiences from across the region and beyond.
The Contest will be broadcasted in partnership with Thailand’s Channel 3, alongside broadcasters from at least 10 countries across Asia, each bringing their own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage.
Hosting Eurovision Song Contest Asia is expected to generate strong international visibility for Bangkok, while supporting tourism, job creation and the continued growth of Thailand’s creative industries.
Thailand Welcomes The Region And The World
Eurovision Song Contest Asia will provide a powerful platform for artists to share their music, stories and identities with audiences across the region and globally, strengthening cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.
The event further reinforces Thailand’s position as a destination for world-class cultural and entertainment experiences.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, at the Tourism Authority said:
“When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.
It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond.
We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand’s global presence.”
Participating Countries
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia will bring together broadcasters from across the region, each representing their country with original music and national talent.
Confirmed participating broadcasters include:
Thailand — Channel 3 produced by S2O productions
South Korea
Philippines — ABS-CBN Corporation
Vietnam — Vietnam Television (VTV3) produced by Dao Music Entertainment
Malaysia — Media Prima (TV3)
Cambodia — TV5 Cambodia produced by GIGIL Cambodia
Laos — Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9) produced by 3SD Group & SG Music
Bangladesh — NTV produced by Bongo Holdings
Nepal — Himalaya TV produced by Saujanya Media
Bhutan — Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
Additional countries and broadcasters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the line-up continues to expand.
Journey to the Grand Final
The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 14 November 2026.
Be part of the journey and follow Eurovision Song Contest Asia at www.eurovisionasia.com
For Media Enquiries, contact:
PRecious Communications
Zaki Arzmi | [email protected]
Srunthus Tangkunanont (Alex) | [email protected]
Hashtag: #Voxovation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s leading alliance of public service media, representing over 110 member organizations in more than 50 countries, with an additional 30+ associates worldwide. The EBU operates Eurovision, the premier global media exchange network, and produces the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s most watched live entertainment events, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers annually. Through its work, the EBU supports collaboration, innovation and the sharing of high-quality content across borders.
About Voxovation
Voxovation is a global entertainment company focused on developing, producing and scaling large-format television and live events. Founded by industry leaders with extensive experience in international entertainment formats, Voxovation specializes in bringing globally recognized IP to new markets and building original formats that connect audiences across cultures. The company is the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia and is leading its development, production and commercialization across the region.
About S2O Productions
S2O, one of Asia’s most iconic live entertainment and production companies known for delivering large-scale events and premium experiences across Asia. Renowned for its world-class production, immersive water elements, and high-energy experiences, S2O will bring its creative and technical expertise to reimagine the Eurovision format for audiences across the Asian region and beyond. As a production partner for Eurovision Song Contest Asia, S2O will support the delivery of world-class live experiences in Bangkok.
About ZOOP
ZOOP is a next-generation social platform designed to connect creators, fans and communities through interactive digital experiences. As the exclusive social partner of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, ZOOP powers fan engagement across the platform, enabling participation, content interaction and community-driven experiences at scale. Built on Hedera technology, ZOOP delivers secure, transparent and scalable infrastructure for digital engagement, bringing audiences closer to the action than ever before.
For media enquiries on ZOOP, contact: 
[email protected]
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Etiqa Insurance Singapore Appoints Claudia Soh as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Chapter of Growth
Veteran insurance leader to accelerate growth, strengthen partnerships and drive customer-focused innovation
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singapore today announced the official appointment of Claudia Soh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 14 Aug 2026. Over the past six months, while serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer and continuing in her role as Chief Financial Officer, Claudia has led Etiqa Insurance Singapore through a period of sustained growth and transformation, strengthening the company’s foundations while driving initiatives focused on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity. Her appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in her leadership and vision as the company embarks on its next phase of growth.
With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry, Claudia brings extensive expertise across finance, strategic planning, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and auditing. Her career spans both the public and private sectors, including experience at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and senior leadership roles within the insurance industry.
During her tenure at Etiqa, Claudia has helped build on the company’s strong momentum by supporting its growth agenda while advancing new initiatives. Her collaborative leadership approach and focus on long-term value creation have contributed to strengthening Etiqa’s capabilities for the future. She has also been an advocate for transforming the finance function from a traditional support role into a strategic business partner that helps create stronger outcomes for customers, employees and stakeholders.
“We are delighted to formally appoint Claudia Soh as CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore,” said Kamaludin, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance and Takaful. “Claudia has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic clarity, operational excellence and resilience. Her ability to drive innovation, build strong teams and adapt to changing customer needs will continue to strengthen our market position in Singapore to deliver long-tern value for our customers, employees and stakeholders”
On her appointment, Claudia said, “I am honoured to undertake the role of CEO at Etiqa Insurance Singapore at a time of significant change for our industry. As customer expectations continue to evolve, we must remain agile, innovative and focused on delivering purposeful value. By combining digital innovation, data-driven insights and strong partnerships, we will continue to enhance the customer experience and help more individuals and businesses build financial confidence and resilience.”
Deepening Partnerships and Empowering Financial Readiness
As a leading composite insurer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore will continue to deepen its distribution capabilities and ecosystem partnerships to make protection more accessible and relevant to customers. Beyond its longstanding bancassurance partnership, Etiqa will work closely with Maybank to deliver more integrated financial and protection solutions, leveraging the strength of the Maybank network and customer ecosystem. Etiqa will also continue collaborating with partners across Singapore to develop innovative solutions that support customers’ evolving protection, savings and financial wellness needs.
Hashtag: #EtiqaInsuranceSingapore
https://www.etiqa.com.sg/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. The company is a member of the Maybank Group.
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Airwallex and Air Corporate Launch One-Step Setup for Hong Kong Startups to Deliver Day-One Transaction Readiness
New partnership turns incorporation into a transaction-ready business in a single application — and sponsors 10 founders every month with a free upgrade to the fully-managed Expert package
Hong Kong SAR– Media OutReach Newswire – 14 August 2026 – Air Corporate, a Hong Kong-based digital corporate services provider, and Airwallex, a leading global payments and financial platform for modern businesses, have announced a strategic partnership that eliminates one of the most persistent friction points in business setup: the need to complete two separate applications for company registration and opening a payment account. Through a single application with Air Corporate, eligible founders now receive both a registered Hong Kong legal entity and a live Airwallex multi-currency account. To mark the launch, Airwallex and Air Corporate are sponsoring 10 Air Corporate clients each month with a complimentary upgrade to the fully-managed Expert package, removing the cost barrier that has historically kept early-stage founders on slower, self-managed paths.
The Two-Application Problem
Until now, setting up a business in Hong Kong has required two distinct processes. A founder first incorporates the company, then separately applies to a bank or payment provider, often resubmitting the same KYC, director, and shareholder documents that were already provided during incorporation. Approval timelines vary, rejections occur, and an incorporated company may remain unable to transact after the registration is complete. For founders trying to move quickly, this gap between incorporation and payment readiness has long been an operational obstacle.
One Application, Two Outcomes: The Expert Package
The Expert package serves as the primary component of this initiative. When a client onboards with Air Corporate under this tier, Air Corporate facilitates the entire Airwallex account-opening process on their behalf, thereby eliminating duplicate paperwork and the need for separate submissions to multiple providers. This consolidated approach allows founders to proceed from incorporation to operational status in as little as one to two weeks, compared to the typical weeks to months required for traditional banking solutions.
The Sponsorship: 10 Founders Every Month
Airwallex and Air Corporate are sponsoring a complimentary Expert upgrade for 10 Air Corporate clients each month. Founders who qualify receive a fully managed Airwallex account opening service at no additional cost. This is the same service available through the paid Expert tier. Sponsorship spots reset each month, with new availability opening to qualifying founders on an ongoing basis. Eligibility applies to new Air Corporate clients proceeding with company registration in Hong Kong, and available spots can be confirmed directly with the Air Corporate team.
Why Hong Kong?
Hong Kong remains the leading jurisdiction for founders entering Asian markets. Offshore profits are not subject to local tax; there are no foreign exchange controls; incorporation is fast; and the territory serves as a direct gateway to Mainland China and ASEAN. For international businesses, Hong Kong company registration has become the standard first step in a regional expansion strategy, given that the legal, regulatory, and financial infrastructure required to operate internationally is already in place.
What Airwallex Brings to the Partnership
Airwallex provides the payment infrastructure that enables day-one operability. Its platform supports multi-currency accounts, local collection in major currencies, foreign exchange at market-leading rates, and global payouts, all managed from a single interface. For founders operating across borders, having this capability active from the moment of incorporation removes the lag that typically delays first revenue and complicates early cash flow management.
Speaker Quote
“Our goal at Airwallex has always been to empower businesses to scale globally without borders or operational friction. Partnering with Air Corporate allows us to tackle one of the earliest and most persistent bottlenecks that founders face: the lag between becoming a legal entity and actually being able to transact. By consolidating company registration and financial setup into a single, seamless step, we are giving startups day-one operability so they can focus entirely on growth and building momentum from the very start,” said Marcus Cheng, Associate Director, GTM Partnerships, SME & Growth, Airwallex Hong Kong.
Who This Is For
This solution is built for e-commerce brands, cross-border trade, professional service providers, , and first-time founders expanding into or out of Asia who need to be fully operational and able to collect payments upon registration, without having to manage two separate onboarding processes simultaneously.
Available Now
Founders can apply directly through Air Corporate and check the availability of the monthly sponsored Expert upgrade spots. Further information is available at Air-Corporate.com/hk/Airwallex. Terms and conditions apply.
Hashtag: #Air-Corporate
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
As a leading overseas payment service provider (PSP), PayerMax has integrated Rakuten Pay to enable international merchants to adopt this payment method in Japan. This integration marks a significant milestone in the technical collaboration, successfully supporting merchants in leveraging Rakuten Pay for their local operations.
The milestone not only enhances the localized payment experience for Last War players in Japan, but also demonstrates how international game publishers can leverage trusted local payment partnerships to accelerate market entry, strengthen localization and better engage Japanese consumers.
Connecting with Japanese Players Starts with Local Payments
As more global game publishers expand into Japan, localized payment experiences have become an increasingly important part of player acquisition, monetization and long-term growth.
As one of the flagship payment services within the Rakuten Ecosystem, Rakuten Pay plays a central role in Japan’s digital commerce landscape. The Rakuten Ecosystem connects more than 100 million registered members across e-commerce, financial services, travel, mobile and offline retail, and Rakuten Pay has become one of Japan’s most widely adopted local payment methods.
For international game publishers, integrating Rakuten Pay is about more than offering another payment option. It provides access to one of Japan’s most established consumer ecosystems, allowing games to deliver payment experiences aligned with local player preferences while building stronger engagement in one of the world’s most competitive gaming markets.
Supporting Last War Highlights PayerMax’s Local Payment Expertise in Japan
As one of the fastest-growing strategy games worldwide, Last War continues to expand its global footprint, with Japan representing one of its key strategic markets. As expectations for localized payment experiences continue to rise, enabling familiar and trusted local payment methods has become an important part of enhancing player experience and supporting sustainable growth.
With support from PayerMax, Last War successfully integrated Rakuten Pay, becoming a leading overseas game to support the payment method and offering Japanese players a more localized and seamless payment experience.
Designed to support international businesses entering Japan, PayerMax provides a unified payment solution that bridges the gap between global merchants and the local ecosystem. By leveraging PayerMax’s integration with Rakuten Pay, PayerMax serves as a gateway for international businesses to establish a strong presence in the Japanese market.
Faster Market Entry
Through PayerMax’s system integration with Rakuten Payment, eligible merchants benefit from a standardized integration pathway that shortens implementation timelines and accelerates go-to-market execution in Japan.
Reliable Compliance and Fund Management Enablement
Leveraging the established business relationships between PayerMax and Rakuten Pay, merchants are empowered to integrate Rakuten Pay through a streamlined, standardized pathway which is aligned with Japan’s local regulatory and operational requirements, thereby delivering a payment experience that resonates with the everyday spending habits of Japanese players. Furthermore, within this collaborative framework, PayerMax and Rakuten Pay facilitate the unified orchestration of critical processes including KYC, anti‑money laundering (AML) and fund management, effectively alleviating the operational complexities and associated costs of local payment execution. This enables merchants to refocus their resources on sustainable business growth and enriched player engagement.
Access to Japan’s Consumer Ecosystem
Through PayerMax, businesses can better engage local consumers, strengthen brand presence and build sustainable long-term growth in Japan.
The successful integration for Last War not only demonstrates the commercial value of the partnership between PayerMax and Rakuten Payment, but also provides a proven reference for more global game publishers and digital content companies expanding into Japan.
Executive Quotes
Hiroki Sogawa, Executive Officer, Rakuten Payment, said:
“We are pleased to partner with PayerMax and to see Last War, a leading title, successfully integrate Rakuten Pay as a payment option. Through this collaboration, we look forward to supporting more international businesses and digital content providers in delivering trusted, localized payment experiences for Japanese consumers.”
Will, APAC General Manager of PayerMax, said:
“Integrating with Rakuten Pay marks an important milestone in PayerMax’s expansion of local payment capabilities in Japan. The successful launch of Last War reflects the strength of our partnership and demonstrates our ability to help global game publishers and international businesses localize faster through trusted local payment infrastructure. Looking ahead, we will continue working with leading local payment partners worldwide to deliver secure, compliant and scalable payment solutions for global merchants.”
Strengthening Local Payment Infrastructure for Global Growth
The partnership with Rakuten Payment represents another important milestone in PayerMax’s strategy to strengthen local payment infrastructure across key global markets and further expand its local payment capabilities in Japan.
Today, PayerMax supports businesses across more than 150 markets and offers access to over 600 payment methods worldwide, backed by an extensive network of local payment partners spanning Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and other high-growth regions.
Rather than simply aggregating payment methods, PayerMax focuses on connecting businesses with the local payment ecosystems that shape consumer behavior in each market. By combining enterprise-grade payment technology with trusted local partnerships, PayerMax enables international businesses to localize faster, operate more efficiently and achieve sustainable global growth.
Hashtag: #PayerMax #RakutenPay
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
