Industry News

NTT DATA has announced a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at helping Asia-Pacific enterprises transition from AI experimentation to impactful, large-scale implementation. This partnership seeks to modernise legacy systems and drive innovation across various industries by leveraging NTT DATA’s expertise in cloud transformation and AWS’s global cloud capabilities.

The collaboration focuses on four key areas: AI-driven cloud transformation, industry-specific cloud solutions, AI and data innovation, and digital sovereignty. By modernising mission-critical workloads and building secure cloud foundations, the initiative aims to deliver measurable business outcomes across regulated and high-growth sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing.

A dedicated AWS Business Group has been formed by NTT DATA, comprising nearly 11,000 AWS-certified experts, with plans to certify an additional 10,000 experts over the next three years. This group will support enterprises in adopting AI-driven cloud solutions more efficiently.

The partnership has already demonstrated success with Honda Trading Asia, which migrated to AWS with NTT DATA’s assistance. “Migrating to the AWS Cloud with the expert support of NTT DATA has been an essential step in modernising our systems and infrastructure,” said Somya Mayuraskoon, Director at Honda Trading Asia.

This collaboration underscores NTT DATA’s commitment to delivering secure, industry-specific solutions that create tangible business value. As Greg Pearson, VP of AWS Global Sales, noted, the initiative will help enterprises unlock the potential of cloud and AI to modernise operations and accelerate innovation.

AnyMind Group has completed its acquisition of MISM Inc, a Japanese creative production studio specialising in vertical, short-form video content. This marks AnyMind’s third acquisition in 2026, as the company aims to bolster its social commerce infrastructure by integrating MISM’s expertise in video production and social media marketing.

MISM, known for its extensive stock library BUZZRENTAL and custom video service BUZZORDER, collaborates with over 2,000 models and creators to produce more than 20,000 videos annually. The acquisition allows AnyMind to offer an end-to-end social commerce solution, covering content creation, social media exposure, and sales channels both online and offline.

Chiori Habe, CEO of MISM, expressed confidence in the merger, stating, “By joining AnyMind Group, we are confident that combining MISM’s creative expertise with AnyMind’s platforms and global network will enable us to seamlessly connect information exposure to purchasing actions through video.”

Kosuke Sogo, CEO of AnyMind Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting, “With the addition of MISM, we will strengthen our vertical video creative production capabilities and further advance our online-to-offline support whilst enhancing operations through the use of AI.”

This acquisition follows AnyMind’s recent purchases of NADESHIKO Beauty and Sun Smile, as the company continues to expand its capabilities in social media marketing and social commerce. AnyMind Group, a Business-Process-as-a-Service company, serves over 1,000 enterprises in marketing and e-commerce across 15 markets, including Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines.

Nearly 93% of organisations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are opting to outsource at least part of their Security Operations Centre (SOC) operations, according to a recent survey by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The survey reveals that 64% of these organisations prefer a hybrid model, combining internal and external resources, whilst 29% are moving towards a full SOC-as-a-Service (SOCaaS) approach. This shift is driven by the need for round-the-clock protection, regulatory compliance, and access to advanced cybersecurity expertise.

As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, companies are re-evaluating their SOC strategies. The survey highlights that only 9% of organisations plan to maintain entirely in-house SOCs, underscoring the challenges of continuous monitoring and attracting skilled specialists. In Malaysia, where internet penetration reached 97.7% in early 2025, the digital economy is expected to contribute up to 30% of GDP by 2030, further emphasising the importance of robust security operations.

Outsourcing SOC functions allows organisations to delegate tasks such as SOC design, technology deployment, and monitoring to external providers. This approach not only ensures 24/7 protection but also reduces the workload on internal IT teams, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives. Sergey Soldatov, Head of Security Operations Centre at Kaspersky, noted, “The trend towards outsourcing SOC functions is primarily driven by the necessity for enhanced operational focus and strategic agility.”

The survey also found that the most commonly outsourced tasks include solution installation, development, and SOC design. Companies are increasingly seeking external support for compliance and advanced technologies, with first-line and second-line analysts being the most in-demand roles. Adrian Hia, Managing Director for APAC at Kaspersky, stated, “As digital dependence and regulatory expectations increase, leaders are recognising that resilience depends on how expertise and responsibility are structured.”

Kaspersky advises organisations planning to build a SOC to engage with their consulting services and leverage advanced solutions like Kaspersky SIEM and Threat Intelligence to enhance security performance.

Citi Singapore and Citi Hong Kong have announced new strategic partnerships with Blackstone, Blue Owl, and KKR to enhance its private market offerings for Citigold Private Clients in Asia and the Middle East. This collaboration will allow high-net-worth clients to access alternative asset classes such as private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate, which were traditionally available only to institutional investors.

The newly launched funds are structured in an evergreen format, providing simplified access to private markets with flexible subscription and liquidity terms, subject to a minimum initial holding period. This initiative aims to offer clients opportunities for uncorrelated returns and long-term growth, directly participating in the value creation of private market assets.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth Asia North and Australia at Citi, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in today’s volatile market, stating, “This collaboration with Blackstone, Blue Owl, and KKR directly addresses that demand, providing sophisticated access to private markets that were once the exclusive domain of institutional and private bank investors.”

The partnerships are set to deepen Citi’s wealth management offerings, with Yeo Wenxian, Head of Wealth for Asia South at Citi, expressing excitement about leveraging the investment expertise of these global firms. Ed Huang from Blackstone, Sean Connor from Blue Owl, and Jacqueline Zhuang from KKR all emphasised the significance of expanding access to institutional-quality private market opportunities for Citi’s high-net-worth clients.

The rollout of these funds has begun and will continue over the coming months, marking a significant step in Citi’s commitment to delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions.

CIMB has outlined a strategic approach for investors in 2026, emphasising the importance of discipline, diversification, and derisking amidst the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and Asia’s rising investment appeal. Jason Kuan, Director of Investment Research and Advisory at CIMB Singapore, advises focusing on high-quality stocks, expanding exposure to Asian markets, and incorporating hedging strategies to manage market volatility.

CIMB’s strategy, dubbed the ‘3Ds’, encourages investors to remain disciplined by selecting quality stocks and credit, diversify by investing in stable Asian markets like Singapore and Malaysia, and derisk through gold hedge strategies and private equity. “Investors may want to be more selective than just focusing on the US market,” Kuan stated, noting the high US stock prices and potential volatility from trade policies.

The bank also highlights Asia’s expanding role in the global AI supply chain and ongoing market reforms as key factors positioning the region as a prime investment destination. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China are enhancing governance and liquidity, creating a supportive environment for earnings and valuations.

CIMB recommends a balanced portfolio approach, including Asian equities and high-quality corporate bonds, to navigate the anticipated volatility in a weakening US dollar environment. The bank suggests focusing on bonds with short-to-mid durations, particularly those denominated in AUD and GBP, to stabilise portfolios.

As global markets evolve, CIMB stresses the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to achieve steady, risk-adjusted returns. The bank’s 2026 outlook underscores the need for measured exuberance in investment strategies.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region saw a significant rise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal value in 2025, increasing by 33% compared to the previous year, according to Bain & Company’s Global M&A Report 2026. This growth places APAC between the Americas, which saw a 52% increase, and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), which grew by 32%. The report highlights Japan as a standout performer, with a 93% increase in strategic deal value, making it the third-largest globally.

In Southeast Asia, however, the overall market deal value fell by 16% to $61b, despite a slight increase in the volume of deals over $30m. The strategic market deal value in the region also declined by 12% year-on-year. Notable transactions included Genting Bhd’s acquisition of Genting Malaysia Bhd for $4.1b in Q4 and Diginex’s acquisition of Resulticks Solution for $2b in Q2.

The report also notes a mixed performance across industries in Southeast Asia. Advanced Manufacturing and Services, the largest industry in the region, experienced a 21% decrease in strategic deal value, whilst the Energy and Natural Resources sector saw a 13% increase. Outbound strategic deal value from Southeast Asia rose by 18% to $15b, although the volume of deals over $30m decreased by 15%.

Bain & Company anticipates that M&A will continue to play a crucial role in strategic reinvention for companies facing technological disruption and shifting economic landscapes in 2026.

Insurance asset managers in the Asia Pacific region are grappling with significant data integration challenges, according to a recent study by Clearwater Analytics. The research, which surveyed 150 executives from Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, highlights data integration as the foremost concern, with only 42% of respondents rating their systems as excellent in this area.

The study reveals that asset complexity, involving the structuring and pricing of complex instruments, ranks second in importance but last in performance, with just 23% of executives confident in their systems’ capabilities. This disconnect is exacerbated by the increasing use of third-party asset managers, with 66% of firms expanding their reliance on external managers, thereby multiplying data complexity.

As insurers diversify their investment strategies, private market allocations are expected to surge from 20% to 33% within five years. This shift underscores the need for improved data management systems. Shane Akeroyd, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Asia Pacific at Clearwater Analytics, emphasised the critical nature of unifying and analysing data across disparate systems, stating, “Firms can no longer afford the performance gaps we’re seeing in foundational capabilities.”

To address these challenges, insurers are adopting strategies such as recruiting from diverse sectors, hiring risk management specialists, and increasing outsourcing. With 92% of respondents acknowledging the increased complexity of data arriving in multiple formats, the demand for integrated platforms that simplify complexity and strengthen risk oversight is clear.

The study indicates that firms closing these capability gaps will gain a competitive edge, especially as 96% anticipate increased mergers and acquisitions activity. Clearwater Analytics’ research highlights the urgent need for APAC insurers to enhance their data integration capabilities to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Twilio has announced that Delivery Hero, a leading global delivery platform, is utilising its communications technology to significantly reduce rider friction and improve customer reachability. By automating customer outreach at the point of delivery, Delivery Hero has achieved a 25% reduction in overall rider contact rates and over 60% fewer rider-to-agent escalations in “customer unavailable” scenarios.

Delivery Hero operates in approximately 70 countries and manages 11 prominent brands, including foodpanda and talabat. The platform handles over 10 million orders daily, making efficient last-mile communication crucial. Twilio’s technology addresses issues such as delays, language barriers, and privacy concerns by using automated calls from local numbers in the customer’s preferred language.

Philip Grefe, Product Manager at Delivery Hero, highlighted the importance of customer attention during delivery, stating, “If the final handover fails, everyone loses.” Twilio’s solution, built in Twilio Studio, allows customers to confirm availability or cancel deliveries without agent involvement, enhancing operational efficiency.

Jake Kanter, Vice President of Sales at Twilio, noted, “Delivery Hero’s use of Twilio shows how programmable communications can remove friction at critical moments.” The collaboration has not only improved delivery reliability but also reduced support tickets and operating costs, creating a seamless experience for riders, customers, and vendors worldwide.

Southeast Asia’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) market has experienced a significant rebound in 2025, with 102 IPOs raising approximately US$5.6b, according to Deloitte’s latest report. This marks an increase in total IPO funds raised compared to 2024, despite a decline in the number of listings. The surge is attributed to larger deals and robust performances in key markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The real estate, financial services, and consumer sectors have been pivotal in driving this growth. Singapore emerged as the frontrunner in IPO proceeds, with nine deals raising US$1.6b, largely due to major REIT listings like NTT DC REIT and Centurion Accommodation REIT. These listings accounted for 88% of Singapore’s total funds raised, reflecting a strong market recovery bolstered by regulatory reforms and a favourable interest rate environment.

Vietnam also made a notable impact with two blockbuster IPOs in the financial sector, collectively raising US$1b. This resurgence is expected to continue, supported by Vietnam’s upcoming classification as a Secondary Emerging Market in September 2026, which is anticipated to attract significant foreign capital.

Malaysia led in the number of IPOs, with 48 listings raising US$1.1b, driven by the ACE Market. Despite a decrease in key metrics, Malaysia is on track to meet its target of 60 IPOs by year-end, supported by a diverse pipeline and strong investor confidence.

Looking ahead, Deloitte anticipates continued investor interest in Southeast Asia’s IPO markets, with a growing pipeline of upcoming IPOs and cross-border listings expected to sustain momentum into 2026.

HitPay, a prominent payment platform for small-to-medium enterprises, has launched Borderless QR, a new software solution designed to streamline international payments for merchants across Southeast Asia. This innovation allows merchants to generate dynamic QR codes for international visitors, enabling payments through preferred home wallets like WeChat Pay and PromptPay, with next-day settlement in local currency.

The introduction of Borderless QR is significant as it addresses the complexities faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating diverse international payment standards. By consolidating these into a single, user-friendly interface, HitPay empowers its network of over 20,000 merchants to offer a seamless shopping experience to tourists, who can pay in their home currency without additional fees.

Aditya Haripurkar, CEO of HitPay, stated, “Borderless QR is about supporting the region’s spirit of collaboration by providing a streamlined checkout flow. Merchants can simply select a customer’s home country to generate a specific QR with a real-time converted amount.”

The rollout is initially focused on Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, with plans for rapid scalability. Early adopters, such as lifestyle retailer The Paper Bunny, have already embraced the solution, enhancing their ability to cater to the growing number of regional tourists.

As the Southeast Asian tourist economy is projected to reach $39.52b by 2026, HitPay’s Borderless QR positions local merchants to capture this burgeoning market effectively, ensuring they remain competitive in a connected digital economy.