29 August 2023
Under the Radar: Viu’s secret sauce in competing in the OTT space; Competition with Netflix, Disney+; Viki Rakuten in recent years; On the next hit product offering; On password sharing; On Viu selling stake to French broadcaster Canal+ in deal worth US$300m
This is a conversation that you would love if you’re into Asian-dramas or variety shows – think the likes of your Running Man, Descendants of the Sun and so on.
Our guest for today is Viu, which is a leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service operated by billionaire Richard Li’s PCCW.
The firm distributes Asian contents in different genres in local language subtitles, as well as produces original drama series. It is present in 16 markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and even in Middle Eastern and African countries such as Egypt and South Africa.
Viu was launched in Singapore back in 2016, where it was known for making Korean dramas more accessible to pop culture lovers.
But how has the entry of players such as Netflix and Disney+ reshaped the competitive landscape in recent years, especially with some players working with top production studios in South Korea to secure a steady pipeline of drama series?
Meanwhile, Viu continues to see strong financial results. According to Media Partners Asia, the firm surpassed Netflix in the number of paid subscribers in Southeast Asia as of the end of June this year.
Separately, it also saw an increase of 30% in revenue for the first half ended June, while paid subscribers expanded 21% as well. To what extent is this contributed by Singapore and why?
On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with Anson Tan, Country Head, Viu Singapore to find out more.

Download this podcast.

Listen to his previous podcasts:

8 November 2021
Soul of Business: How did Viu overtake Netflix in Southeast Asia
On Soul of Business, since the pandemic hit, the role of streaming platforms which entertain, inform and transport us have taken on a much bigger role in our lives as we’ve navigated through lockdowns, work from home and the inability to travel. Claressa Monteiro speaks to Anson Tan, Country Head of Viu Singapore to get some insights on what Singaporeans are watching and how have our consumption patterns changed?

Download the podcast.