ATxEnterprise 2025: Connectivity innovation amid piracy, media evolution

The conferences at ATxEnterprise 2025, held at Singapore EXPO from May 27 to 29, emphasized shifting trends in content consumption, the evolution of media and connectivity across the Asia Pacific region, and the challenges posed by piracy in the digital age. This year’s conference themes focused on "bridging tech ecosystems to drive global impact," with industry leaders discussing business trends that foster collaboration among diverse technology networks.

The Take

➤ At the BroadcastAsia conference, speakers highlighted transformative shifts in content creation and distribution occurring in Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Thailand, driven by digital platforms, changing viewer habits, and increasing demand for high-quality, innovative content.

➤ The challenge of piracy in the digital age prompted discussions about innovative solutions, collaboration among industry stakeholders, and the integration of AI to protect intellectual property and promote legal content consumption.

➤ At the CommunicAsia conference, presenters emphasized AI's role in transforming customer experience and driving revenue for telecom companies while maintaining regulatory frameworks and business priorities.

➤ At the SatelliteAsia conference, participants discussed recent updates on satellite connectivity, new business models, and strategic partnerships to meet changing industry demands.

BroadcastAsia key takeaways

With the rise of digital platforms and changing viewer habits, both Indonesia and Thailand are experiencing transformative changes in how content is produced, distributed, and consumed, both in traditional linear TV and online streaming.

DENS.TV Indonesia Chief Content Officer Ario Widyatmiko noted that the media scene is transforming, particularly in drama and animation. The demand for high-quality content is surging as local creators strive to cater to both domestic and international audiences. Platforms like Beijing Byte Dance Telecommunications Co. Ltd.'s TikTok Inc. have democratized content production, enabling everyday users to become content creators. This shift is reshaping viewing habits, with audiences increasingly favoring shorter, engaging formats over lengthy productions.

In contrast, Thailand's traditional TV sector faces challenges as viewers migrate to OTT platforms. However, according to Kanokporn Prachayaset, Head of Digital Content Business Group at Charoen Pokphand Group Co. Ltd. (CP Thailand), content libraries on these platforms cannot meet viewer demands. This creates significant opportunities for content providers to diversify their distribution channels. Thai content creators are enhancing production quality and creativity to capture global audiences. Genres such as Boys' Love (BL) and Girls' Love (GL) are particularly popular with younger viewers, indicating a niche market with growth potential.

Technology plays a crucial role in the current media landscape, specifically in content distribution. Telstra Group Ltd. Broadcast Services CEO Karen Clark emphasized the importance of hybrid network approaches that integrate satellite and fiber networks to optimize content delivery. This strategy acknowledges that no solution adequately fits all diverse client needs. While traditional broadcasting declines, OTT content creation is increasing, suggesting a robust future for innovative content.

Viewership of "microseries" has become a trend, particularly in Thailand, where short-form videos are gaining popularity. Audiences increasingly prefer bite-sized content over traditional formats, reflecting viewing habit shifts. The accessibility of platforms that empower users to share their stories drives widespread content production. Discussions about Free Ad-supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels highlighted the potential for new streaming models that leverage free-to-air (FTA) streaming to combat piracy and enhance content accessibility.

In a session about combating piracy in the digital age, industry leaders explored ways to address this widespread issue. Irdeto BV marketing and communications vice president Lisa Spencer highlighted the problem of devices preloaded with pirated content, emphasizing the urgent need to direct consumers toward legal options. Spencer discussed regulators' role in fighting piracy, noting that the absence of a standardized framework complicates enforcement. To address this gap, content owners must implement security measures and work closely with security partners and law enforcement agencies. This collaborative approach can help create a more secure environment for content distribution.

With content rights becoming increasingly complex, Caton Technology (Asia) Ltd. head of global sports Paul Christmas noted that implementing these rights can be challenging for regulators and content providers. In addition, Trident Media Guard (TMG) Chief Technical Officer Bastien Casalta advocated for the importance of collaboration among industry stakeholders to combat piracy. The role of manufacturers is also crucial in the battle against piracy. Casalta highlighted the need for manufacturers to proactively prevent the distribution of devices that facilitate piracy. Additionally, AI has emerged as a tool for identifying and mitigating unauthorized content usage. By leveraging AI technology, companies can detect anomalies in content consumption more quickly, allowing faster enforcement.

CommunicAsia key takeaways

Mobile network operators are focusing on the transformative business impact of new technologies, particularly in enhancing customer experience and driving revenue. Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (Singtel) head of enterprise mobility and internet of things ShuFen Lin described the company's journey from basic automation to the implementation of more advanced generative AI solutions for customer engagement. This transformation allows Singtel to leverage AI to provide tailored services and improve customer satisfaction.

As the telecom industry evolves, strategic priorities remain a significant topic of discussion. Verizon Communications Inc. head of Asia Pacific public policy and regulatory counsel Priya Mahajan provided insights into the telecom industry's history, including shifts toward market liberalization, breakups of monopolies, evolutions of independent regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks within the European Union (EU). New technologies have reshaped the telecom industry, with growing use of 5G networks in wireless services, fixed broadband, cloud computing, and online streaming platforms. These advancements have not only transformed service delivery but have also created tech industry growth opportunities.

SatelliteAsia key takeaways

Industry leaders gathered to discuss the transformative changes in satellite connectivity driven by new business models and evolving technologies. Louis Boswell, CEO of the Asia Video Industry Association and an expert on video and broadband segments, facilitated the session.

Aatam Godwhani, Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Ovzon AB (publ), emphasized the role of defense and safety in public satellite markets. Meanwhile, Telesat Corp. Chief Commercial Officer Glenn Klatz noted the growing demand for geonetworks in media broadcasting. The conference also raised questions about the headwinds facing the satellite video industry, with Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Ltd. (AsiaSat) Chief Commercial Officer Raymond Chow noting a decline in satellite video penetration, which has prompted a focus on retaining premium customers. The introduction of FAST TV in Asia was identified as a potential solution to boost the satellite video market.

As discussions turned to technological changes among satellite operators and service distributors, Speedcast executive vice president for sales and marketing James Trevelyan emphasized that software should not define satellites; rather, it should enable scalability in subscriber numbers. Godwhani acknowledged the growing appetite for software but stressed the importance of well-planned implementation. Chow suggested an integrated model approach that enhances customer satisfaction and overall business performance.

Consolidation within the satellite industry was another key topic, with Astranis Space Technologies Corp. executive vice president Elias Zaccack suggesting that merely scaling operations does not resolve fundamental business challenges. Looking ahead to the satellite industry in 2030, Godwhani projected increased user capacity on satellites, catering to residential, mobility, and cruise ship markets, alongside a rise in enterprise users seeking connectivity solutions. Chow reaffirmed the ongoing significance of video services in Asia, while Trevelyan said Speedcast aims to increase its dominance in the sector.

The conference also explored the concept of bridging the gap between satellite and terrestrial partnerships. Bala Balamurali, vice president of South East and East Asia for Eutelsat Communications SA, discussed the importance of business channel management over basic satellite connectivity, emphasizing the need to maintain value within the value chain rather than solely focusing on licensing with operator partners. SES SA vice president of spectrum management and development in APAC Tommy Chee emphasized the need to reuse spectrum and harmonize regulatory frameworks, advocating for a hybrid approach to connectivity, with collaboration between satellite operators and vendors essential in transitioning to new technologies.