Event Coverage
ConnecTechAsia Successful in Bridging the Digital Divide for Governments, Cities and Enterprises with Showcase of Latest Tech and Trends
SINGAPORE: ConnecTechAsia, the inaugural mega technology event comprising BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia and the new NXTAsia wrapped up last week after an exciting three days of exhibitions and a summit covering the latest innovations in cloud, blockchain, AI, VR/AR, IoT, robotics, 5G, IP broadcasting, OTT and smart cities, among others.
Under the new brand, ConnecTechAsia this year drew close to 40,000 attendees from 96 countries/regions, and 1,800 exhibitors from 52 countries/regions. Emerging technologies and digital disruption were hot topics, amid the convergence of the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) industries in an evolving business landscape.
“We are pleased to hold the first edition of ConnecTechAsia, which has a renewed format for a more immersive experience with insightful sessions and displays for our attendees that reflect the latest industry trends and technologies that are impacting governments, cities and businesses. We hope that the many partnerships and friendships forged will serve as a foundation for an even more diverse ecosystem and empower Asia as it evolves digitally,” said Victor Wong, Event Director for ConnecTechAsia, UBM.
Gateway to Asia – a fast growing, digital powerhouse
The Asia-Pacific region today accounts for 44 per cent of global GDP1 and its shift towards digital is powering the region towards a new era of economic growth and redefining the region’s social landscape.
Echoing this, Paul Marriott, Senior Vice President of Digital Core Solutions, SAP and ConnecTechAsia Summit speaker said, “Asia is an exciting region with its rapid digitalisation and growth. Enabling enterprises in their journey towards digital evolution to be at the frontier of their respective industries is
a core focus for us at SAP. ConnecTechAsia has been a great platform for us to build key relationships with governments and global businesses to foster greater collaboration and innovation.”
Using ConnecTechAsia as a gateway to the region, the exhibition saw several Asian launches. PepperStack Global, with the support of the Victorian Government of Australia, launched their new NeatStreets Around Me and Micro-compensation feature-sets into the Southeast Asian markets, which allow the public to serve as “human sensors” and report on safety-related matters using their mobile devices, enhancing the uptime and efficiency of public utilities.
Forsway, a Swedish technology provider, announced the launch of the new Odin F-50 hybrid satellite router to the Asian market, which combines mobile networks with satellites to enable operators to provide highly affordable broadband internet to consumers in regions lacking reliable internet access.
AsiaSat, a leading satellite operator in Asia, also announced its collaboration with KBZ to provide OTT satellite video service in Myanmar, enabling audiences across the country to enjoy video content and TV programmes wherever they are, be it in rural areas or while on-the-go on trains or planes.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
